Interrupted by God…UPDATED

I love this piece by Benedictine Sister Ann Marie Wainright, writing from St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota:

When I transitioned from my life as a layperson into life as a new postulant, getting used to the “interruptions” in my day was a challenging adjustment at times. The bells tolled, I dropped what I was doing and went to prayer. Afterwards, I returned to my previous work, studies, or ministry, or perhaps I shifted gears and began a new task, leaving the former one unfinished. Having worked in a professional career where time and deadlines were important, being interrupted and changing tasks was not new to me. What was new was the nature and source of the interruption – slow down, become silent and listen to God. [. . .] The process of learning to surrender our agenda, open our hearts in humble awareness, and listen to God’s response can also be prayer. It demonstrates a desire to draw close to mystery. When this learning becomes a personal vision and attitude of heart, every moment becomes prayer – a lovingly received interruption from God.

You’ll want to read the whole thing. The lovely photo is from the Benedictine’s too.

UPDATE: A nice story from the Clyde, MO Benedictines as they celebrate the first profession of Sister Maria Victoria. OSB