Saturday, June 6, 2009

What Good Work Should I Do?

Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the Community!

A rainy Saturday here, with temperatures in the low 50s. Certainly not tomato-growing weather!

From the Sayings of the [Desert] Fathers (Verba Seniorum), we find yet another affirmation of our quest as seekers to serve God in our own unique way, in the way that He made each one of us. In Book 1, Of the Perfecting of the Fathers, it is recorded that the great abbot Nistero was asked by a friend, “What good work should I do?” The abbot responded, “The Scripture says that Abraham was hospitable, and God was with him. And Elias loved quiet, and God was with him. And David was humble, and God was with him. What therefore you find that your soul desires in following God, that do, and keep your heart.”

Note that the abbot did not say what your ego desires; but what your soul desires. Your soul is the real you, the part connected with God. The examples of great works mentioned above are those that please God: hospitality, solitude, and humility, because they came from the person’s soul. There are numerous other examples. What does your soul desire? Music? Reflection? Art? Helping? Building? Numbers? Appreciation of nature?

To become who you were made to be is to glorify God.

Have a blessed Trinity Sunday!

Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG