Yesterday I received an email from a friend at St. Ben's Monastery telling me of the news of Dietrich Reinhart, the President of St. John's University resignation due to a current battle with cancer. I am struck by the closeness of this news to my own heart and life.
Personally, I do not know Br. Reinhart but I have seen him many times at St. John's Abbey at prayer and have benefited from his wisdom through various articles he has written. He has always struck me as a humble man with great depth.
My prayer goes out to him and the communities of St. John's and St. Ben's as they walk this road of uncertainty together. May God's peace and presence be with you.
December 17, 2008
You have been in my thoughts and prayers over the past days Jan. I hold you in the silence of this winter season with love and healing wishes.
St. John of the Cross expressed the frightening beauty of the unknown when he said:
To come to the pleasure you have not
you must go by a way in which you enjoy not.
To come to the knowledge you have not
you must go by a way in which you know not.
To come to the possession you have not
you must go by a way in which you possess not.
To come to the way you are not
you must go by a way in which you are not.
The winter of our lives takes us into lands that are as yet untraveled. May God continue to travel in your days Jan.
Advent peace always and my thoughts of healing over the miles for you into the New Year.
Rita Budig OSB
Posted by: Rita Budig | 17 December 2008 at 11:04 AM