Pickles and Community

Novice Bridgette, Lisa Rose, OSB, Affiliate Laura

Did you ever think that a jar of dill pickles and community living could be similar in a variety of ways? As one who makes dill pickles let me explain. The first step in the process of pickling is preparing the produce by picking and cleaning the cucumbers, onions, and dill. The second step involves preparing the jars along with the brine which is the transforming liquid of water, vinegar, salt, and sugar. As the cucumbers, onions, garlic, and dill are packed into the jar, they need one another to transform the cucumber into a pickle. Within a monastic community, we need one another to become our best self. So you see, both cucumbers and community members need assistance from their surroundings to assist them and transform them into something more wonderful. As the brine works its magic with the cucumber, prayer and daily living works its magic for each community member. In community as we pray and work side by side, we are seeking God. Our monastic commitment to one another is part of the magic. We come to realize that we need one another day after day. We take the time to pray and be transformed, thus allowing us to better service the church, the world, and one another. As day after day the pickling process takes time, monastic commitment is a day by day commitment to be lived out faithfully. If you would like more information about our Benedictine community, please contact Sister Lisa Rose at lrose@csbsju.edu.

 

Lisa Rose, OSB