Invisible Ministries

Sunday night I met with a new small group. We started with a prayer, followed by a brief discussion of how each one lives a  ‘personal rule of life.’ We specifically discussed the dimensions of  ‘piety, study and action’. 

Meeting with people whom I do not know, I am impressed anew by the variety of distinct ministry callings, and areas of influence demonstrated in these lives.  Their individual ministries range from a focus in a local worshiping community, and creating a safe environment for faith in the work place, to creating opportunities for faith community on the internet. 

Our conversations affirmed a truth that I have known, but do not often voice.  Each individual is doing something with God, that I cannot do, and that most clergy cannot do.  These individuals have circles of influence in the corporate work place, among the retired, and in health care facilities.  As a routine part of their lives they are in communities to which others have little or no access.

In their quiet prayer, piety, study, and private conversations, they are gently building up the community of faith.  They are welcoming others as Christ, in the people that they meet on a daily basis.

I am encouraged by their daily efforts to be faithful disciples.  Their evident  determination to both develop a personal rule of life, and to follow God faithfully in their own circle of influence, remind me to think of ways to do this myself.

Thank you God for all those who follow you in places and activities unknown or unseen.  Thank you God for prayers, study, and ministries that seem to be invisible. Help each of us to remember that You alone know the results of these quiet actions, prayers and conversations. Encourage and strengthen each one to be a faithful disciple today.

About the Tradition of the Benedictus

The Benedictus, taken from Luke 1:68-79, is Zachariah’s prayer of praise at the arrival of his child.  (Zachariah is the father of John the Baptist.) 

Traditionally Benedictines pray this every day in Morning Prayer (or Lauds).  In some mysterious way, praying Zachariah's prayer allows people to join in the praise, and the commitments, between God and those who prepared the way for Jesus.

This daily reminder is part of the rhythm of prayer and work in Benedictine monastic life.  Praying the Benedictus calls Benedictine souls to timeless principles of faith.  It connects each one of us to Benedictine community around the world, and through out the past 1500 years.

In praying the Benedictus, I know that I am traveling with others who have been called to this path for more than 1500 years.  Whether I chant, or simply recite the Benedictus, I know that I am in community, even when I pray all by myself. 

My Own Experience of the Benedictus . . . . (or Song of Zachariah)

Early one Sunday morning, I found myself, a mid-western wife, with three Benedictine sisters and a priest.  We were in a small monastery chapel, praying a Morning Prayer service, which included the Benedictus (or Song of Zachariah).  The realization that I made in those moments has reshaped my life.

I am filled with gratitude for that ordinary Sunday morning.  That morning I realized that the Benedictus is not only a beautiful ancient prayer of faithful praise.  It has become my own prayerful call to live in the community of faith.  This is a call shared by the larger Benedictine community.  It describes faith in God as faith has been expressed since before the birth of Christ.  

The words of the Benedictus, and the act of praying them, continually call me back to community, and to the Rule of Benedict.  It serves both as my call to remember, and as my call to actively choose my life of faith, today.

---------------------------------------