Mother’s Reflections – Page 6 – Abbey of St. Walburga

On Gaining Heaven

November 30, 2020

This November, as the Church remembers in a special way all the departed, Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB, reflects on what it takes to inherit the heavenly kingdom

“Heaven is not a place where there is the mere vocal repetition of alleluias or the monotonous fingering of harps. Heaven is a place where we find the fullness of all the fine things we enjoy on this earth. Heaven is a place where we find, in their plenitude, those things which slake the thirst of hearts, satisfy the hunger of starving minds, and give rest to unrequited love. Heaven is the communion with perfect Life, perfect Truth, and perfect Love, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, to whom be all honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Archbishop Fulton Sheen

We have probably all experienced those “thin places” in life where God peeks through and seems to say, “I’m here!” We thank God for those moments, because they make us stop in our tracks and realize His presence. These “thin places” are little glimpses of heaven. I think that hell is more like a house of mirrors. Before Adam and Eve fell, there was something like a clear crystal between them and God, and they saw Him perfectly; but then after they sinned the crystal became a mirror, and they became totally self-centered. And that’s why we go to Confession frequently—to open up that mirror again. They say that heaven and hell have the same banquet, but the spoons are really long, so in hell everyone is trying to feed himself and misses his mouth, while those in heaven get to enjoy the feast because they are feeding each other.

When we die and stand before God to be judged, it won’t be scary if we already know ourselves and know Him. Do you remember those teachers in school who really tried to help you out before the exams by telling you what to watch out for? Didn’t you love those teachers? Well Jesus in the Gospels does the same thing for us (cf. Matthew 25:31-40). His teaching on our judgment is also outlined in the Catechism: [God will say on that day,] “I placed my poor little ones on earth for you. I, as their head, was seated in heaven at the right hand of my Father—but on earth my members were suffering, my members on earth were in need. If you have anything to my members, what you gave would reach their Head” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1039). This is a beautiful section of the Catechism because it tells us each what we need to do. We are appointed specifically to love the little ones in our midst. The little ones are each one of us, and we have to pay attention to what we place before and in each other, because ultimately it goes to God. So whatever we do to one another, we’ve done to Christ. Choose to do today what you want to do for all eternity. If you spend your life praising God, blessing others, and loving them, that is how you will spend all eternity.

Don’t think the Saints aren’t watching and fighting for you. It’s never too late to turn around; all of the Saints had to. Each Saint has been won by God, and not one of them didn’t have to struggle in life. I bet heaven goes crazy cheering over the ones who hell thought they had. Let God be victorious in you.

One Body, Many Parts

October 31, 2020

A reflection by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB

If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I do not need you.” …If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.
1 Corinthians 12:17-26, abridged

In Chapter 60 of the Holy Rule of St. Benedict we hear the words, “…friend, for what have you come?” (Rule 60.3). That is something we should always keep in mind. Paul knew that his mission was not to baptize, but to preach (cf. 1 Cor. 1:17). Baptizing is so important, but he knew that wasn’t what he was called to baptize. He was called specifically to preach the gospel. There were others to do the baptizing. Even Jesus clarifies that He wasn’t on earth to do everything, but specific things. And we have that also in the Church, where we are all called to different vocations (religious life, married life, single life, the priesthood); and there are religious orders to cover every area of service—those to help the poor, those who care for the sick, teachers, missionaries—you name it, the Church has it. And we as Benedictines are called to seek God continually, as the face of the Church running after Him. Our part is to seek Christ sincerely, with a great deal of love, calling out to Him, “Stay with us!” on behalf of the Church. There are specific things we are each called to do—what a gift that the Benedictine’s is to seek God. We give thanks that there are other people doing their parts to make up for what we lack. Through our lives of prayer, we are included in their works, because we are all part of the same Body of Christ, His Church.

Integrity and Intentions

October 21, 2020

A reflection by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB

We hear in the parable of the good and wicked servants that the unfaithful one served the master until the master was gone, and then he turned to beating his fellow servants and eating and drinking with drunkards (cf. Matt. 24:46-51). I think that this servant must not have been serving with love, or with good intentions, but had the mentality of, “As long as he’s here, I’ll be good. Wait until he’s gone and I can handle everything differently.”

Our intentions mean so much, and that’s why we should stay far away from judging others, because we don’t know their intentions. Leave that to God. Sometimes we mean the very best, but everything possible goes wrong and it turns out to be a disaster. These things just happen, but we can have confidence in the fact that God knows the secrets of our hearts. He knows what our intentions are. So even if we were to do things outwardly very well, but without good intentions, God knows that too. We hear in the Rule of St. Benedict, “If a disciple obeys grudgingly and grumbles not only aloud, but also in his heart, then even though he carries out the order, his actions will not be accepted with favor by God, who sees that he is grumbling in his heart” (5.17-18). So that is something we can always work on: the purity of our hearts, and the purification of our intentions.

There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops… Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke 12:2-7, abridged

Death is Just a Door

September 30, 2020

A reflection by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB

In the Holy Rule, St. Benedict recommends that we keep death before us daily (Rule 4.47), and the point of this is to keep our eyes on the goal: eternal life. St. Benedict writes in the Prologue, “We shall through patience share in the sufferings of Christ, that we may deserve also to share in his kingdom. Amen” (Rule Prol.50). If you keep your death before you, if you keep your goal before you, it will help you to live more purposefully. It is so important for us to live attentively in the present moment. Every chance you have to love now, you will never have again. And it’s not that there won’t be more opportunities to love, but each specific one, when it passes, is gone. And we don’t want to miss them too many times. We want to be attentive to love, so that we can truly love as Christ does, laying down our lives in a sort of martyrdom, dying to selfishness and living to selfless love of others. The Resurrection of Christ shows us that life doesn’t end with death—death is just a step into eternal life with God. Every single one of us will stand before the door of death one day, and if you have already met it many times throughout your life, there won’t be a question of what you’re going to choose. Live a lifetime of learning how to choose well, so that the final choice will just be the same as you have chosen throughout your life. When He asks us as He asked St. Peter, “Do you love me?”, I hope that our answer will be the same, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you” (John 21:15).

St. Benedict and Obedience

September 25, 2020

A reflection on the call to loving obedience by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB

Linocut artwork of St. Benedict by one of our Sisters

We hear over and over in the Old Testament the words of the prophets calling the people to return to the Lord. It makes me think of our Holy Father St. Benedict—could he not be considered one of the great prophets as well?

In chapter five of the Rule we hear about St. Benedict’s teaching on obedience. It has a value and a power far beyond our little means, because it is united with Christ. It can be a golden tool in our lives if we allow it to be. If we think only of being “forced” to obey, we will not get very far. But if we think of being obedient because Christ was obedient, and to counter the fall in Eden, which happened out of disobedience, then we will be using the gift of obedience for the highest good. If we cherish Christ above all, cherish Him deeply, we will carry out all our duties as if we heard them from God Himself.

The Rule tells us that monks who truly practice obedience abandon their own concerns, leaving whatever they have in hand unfinished, in order to hearken to the signal for the Divine Office (Rule 43.1). If we don’t practice this form of obedience in the little things, we will be tempted to reason our way out of everything. It is love that impels us to pursue everlasting life and the narrow road, no longer living by our own judgment or giving in to our own appetites, but saying with Christ, “I came…not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me” (John 6:38). Christ’s love working in us impels us to act as He did. Love alone will give us this grace.

And when we feel that we cannot handle the obedience being asked of us, we can look to Christ’s example on the Mount of Olives. He cries out to the Father for help, “Father, take this cup away from me,” but ultimately surrenders Himself with the words, “but not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Becoming Children

August 31, 2020

A reflection by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB

“At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.’”
Matthew 18:1-5

We know what it means to be a child: a child can’t provide for itself. A child is watched after. A child is fed. A child is wrapped in light as in a robe. A child is kept warm. A child is cared for. A child is loved. Or it should be. That’s what is means to be a child.

Unfortunately we live in an age of entitlement, in an age of “I deserve…”. And if that’s the approach, nothing will be gift, because “I’ve deserved it, it’s just mine.” Instead we should try to practice gratitude, because everything is gift. Nothing is yours to keep, but for you to use for the glory of God. When we live this way, there is a real freedom of detachment. We are so cared for as God’s children, and in return we have One who deserves all our love. Thank Him! Never stop answering His call to be His child. How fully are you giving yourself to Him who has given you everything?

Seeking the Beloved

August 18, 2020

A reflection by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB

I think it’s so delightful in the Gospel of John when Jesus says to His apostles, “A little while, and you will no longer see me; and again a little while, and you will see me” (John 16:16). Doesn’t that sound like the spiritual life? A little while and you won’t see Him…and it’s so true. You find yourself asking, “Where are you, Lord? Where is Your voice?” and then He pops in all of a sudden and reminds you that He’s right there and He’s been there the whole time. But in those times of seeming darkness we can really focus on hearing and seeing God in our neighbor. A good word from someone is often His word. A look of kindness is His look. A little gesture of love is from Him.

God loves that disappearing and reappearing act. You see it all through the Gospels as Christ comes to and then vanishes from His disciples after His Resurrection. I think it helps us to always look for Him. It keeps our heart searching and attentive. It’s as in the Song of Songs where she “sought him but could not find him” (Song of Songs 3:2), but then she went out on the streets looking and there he was. Seek God with all your heart and you will find Him, and you will truly be a happy soul.

Artwork by one of our Sisters inspired by the Song of Songs (Chapters 2-3)

The Little Things

July 25, 2020

A reflection on 1 Kings 17:7-16 by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB

In the Book of Kings, we hear that the brook near where Elijah was hiding had run dry because no rain had fallen. As we know, there is a real test of hope when it’s really dry, because there’s the sense that it’s really out of our hands. So Elijah leaves his cave and goes to Zarephath and asks the widow he meets there for a small cup of water to drink. Water was precious in the drought, so you notice he doesn’t ask for a few gallons, or even a large glass of water. He is sensitive to the situation, so he asks for a small cup. This scenario reminds me of how God is with us—He knows what we can give and what we can’t give. He’s well aware of when it’s difficult, and of the things we struggle with. He doesn’t put a load on us heavier than we can carry—He’s very sensitive to us. He too says, “Bring me a small amount. Bring me even the little you may feel like you don’t have. Just a little bit, please bring Me.” It’s like the times when we are so tired and ready to leave the chapel, and yet what do we do? We turn around and kneel, just for a minute, to say, “I love you,” and ask for His blessing. Or there may be a time when someone has been particularly nasty to us, but we have a moment of grace and, before we end our time together, we have the charity to say, “Thank you.” It’s just a small thing, but these small things give life. They mirror the tenderness of God. When we know God’s tenderness we are tender toward each other. However tender you are, that is how tender God is toward you that you’ve noticed. It’s not that He isn’t tender—it’s that you haven’t always noticed. Pay attention to the tenderness of God, because it will stretch your soul to holiness. Start to notice the little ways in which God blesses you throughout the day.

Illustration by one of our Sisters of Christ feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-13)

Heaven on Earth

July 7, 2020

A reflection by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB

You hear about all the negativity happening in the world, and the problem is not that it isn’t true (although sometimes that is the problem), but that we forget that there is always the Risen Lord to turn to. They key is that all these negative things don’t have the final word. Whenever we give negativity the higher place in our lives, we have chosen the wrong thing. We can’t sit in that state, because then it has power over us, and eventually it wears us down.

Never forget the power of the Risen Lord. He has promised His Church that He will be with us, and so He will. He already is. In spite of everything, He is the victorious Lord. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look at and acknowledge all the negativity, but only that we don’t stop there. We have the victorious Lord. I always like being on the winning side, that’s just the way it is. And with Him, I am. Every day we have the chance to sing of His victory, and in doing that we are lifting the world up. Remember that evil never has the last word; it’s always followed by an apostrophe, and the exclamation point that follows is Christ, the victory of Christ.

By doing and choosing the good things, and not allowing ourselves to sit in negativity, but choosing the Risen Lord, we will choose the right thing. Let our focus be on our closeness to Christ. Let me give you an example of this from the geese I was watching this morning walking through the field. It was delightful—there were so many geese followed by their little goslings hopping through the grass. And then I saw a blob in the field but couldn’t tell what it was, so I took the binoculars to get a better look. It was two geese so close together that they looked like one. What a beautiful image—so close that they looked like one. If that can be our image with God, if that can be our choice, we’re already living a portion of heaven on earth.

“The meadows of the wilderness also drip; the hills are robed with joy. The pastures are clothed with flocks, the valleys blanketed with grain; they cheer and sing for joy.^”
Psalm 65:13-14

Corpus Christi

June 23, 2020

A reflection on the Body and Blood of Christ by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB

As in the garden of Gethsemane when Christ soaked up all the evil of the world and took it upon Himself, when we receive the Body of Christ and our venial sins are forgiven, Christ soaks up from us all the evil. What are we doing with that? Do we just receive Communion and go on with life? Or do we really take it as a remedy to whatever is in us that is not of God? Do we ask for the graces that will change us? After receiving the Eucharist, we should never be the same. It should have an incredible effect in us. It should change us. But we have to be attentive to it, and we have to let God build on us. God can take everything out of you that is evil: jealousy, anger, agitation, pride, envy, etc. These things continually creep up in our lives, but we can fight against them by receiving Holy Communion as often as we can. If you want to be made new, God will do it, there is no doubt. When we start paying attention to the reality of what is happening, life changes for us.

Regarding the Precious Blood of our Lord, it is very powerful to spiritually cover ourselves with His Precious Blood. The Blood of Christ is the life of Christ. What gave Him life and poured through Him we ask to be poured over us. He pours it out as a fountain that never stops, and we can drink of it fully in the spirit. This will also help transform us. So we take steps of holiness; sometimes they’re big and sometimes they’re small. What matters is that we keep taking those steps forward, and little by little God truly will make all things new.

“Suppose that there are many who bring their candles, one weighing an ounce, others two or six ounces, or a pound, or even more,…in each candle, whether large or small, is the whole light, that is to say, the heat, the color, and the flame; nevertheless you would judge that he whose candle weighs an ounce has less of the light than he whose candle weighs a pound. Now the same thing happens to those who receive this Sacrament. Each one carries his own candle, that is the holy desire, with which he receives this Sacrament, which of itself is without light, and lights it by receiving this Sacrament…You receive this Light according to the love and fiery desire with which you approach It.”
St. Catherine of Siena, The Dialogue, A Treatise of Prayer

Click here to learn about the Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano, where a consecrated host was physically changed into heart tissue.