Sr. Espy, OSB-F

Cloister Cellarer

(Br. Ricky asked her to write this Mewsletter because she is not always the most

peaceful feline)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called

children of God.” Matthew 5:9

"Among the long list of Martin Luther King Jr’s accomplishments is his advocacy of the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Both acts changed the course of U.S. history forever. The only thing that eclipsed what MLK Jr. did is how he did it: peacefully.

"Despite being arrested twenty-nine times on charges ranging from civil disobedience to traffic violations – considered by many to be trumped-up charges – he never resorted to violence to defend himself. His constant message was this; ‘Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’ In fact, his stance of nonviolence won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, making his the youngest recipient of his time, at the age of thirty-five.

Dr. King accepting the Nobel Peace Prize for his work leading the

civil rights movement

Practicing Peace and Love

Sr. Espy here once again. Hope you found the reflection inspiring. Now it's time to get those paws moving towards peace and love.

If you’re inclined to respond to someone with condemnation, try peace instead. Practice leading with love and an open heart. Then take note of the outcome. 

We can also harbor thoughts of condemnation and anger. Those thoughts sure don't lead to peace and loving actions. Note what Dr. King observed...

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

Isn't that the truth! Here are a few ideas from The Rule of St. Benedict offered by Cloister members and Resident Novices.

From Sr. Nikki, OSB-F

“Your way of acting should be different from the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else.” RB 4. 20-21

From Br. Ricky, OSB-F

Novice Master

“A kind word is better than the best gift” (Sir 18:17). RB 31.14

There's a lot more in the Rule, too. Check it out. And remember, of course, Holy Scripture offers many reminders for peace and love. These can be mewed or spoken to help you move towards living peace and love.

Blessings in your journey,

Sr. Espy, OSB-F

A Prayer for Justice and Peace

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer, 823

""Peace is not merely a distant that goal we seek,

but the means at which we arrive there,"

Martin Luther King Jr.

Pray for Those in Danger

From Jane

As a former Minneapolis resident until adulthood, I am deeply distressed over recent events in this city and other areas of the country. Our Latino, Somali, and Native American communities, and other people of color are now living in fear.

What would Dr. King advise?

I ask your prayers for the the people who are in danger and for the end of the actions in this country that are bringing about such terror and hardship. Pray for new compassion from those responsible. Pray for ways that you may be a voice of reconciliation and peace in this darkness. Reach out to those needing help.

Plant a seed of hope through your own compassion. Benedict says, "Never turn away when someone needs your love" and "Place your hope in God alone." RB 4.26 and 41

Do you know a feline or a human who would benefit by

reading this Mewsletter In-Between?  

Amma Jane and Br. Ricky invite you to forward this email to them.