from Fall 1990 RB "NOTES"
When Betty and I were invited to become acquainted with the Oblate program, I was not enthusiastic. I was concerned that joining a "spiritual group" would become an onerous, unnecessary burden, even in the daily life of a retiree. Was I not already striving to live the Christian life?
Now, I give heartfelt thanks to the Lord for having become an Oblate affiliated with St. Gertrude's Benedictine community!
Being an Oblate has added immeasurably to my spiritual development, to my attempt to live as a Christian should, to growth in love and service, to my marriage.
How has being an Oblate brought about these benefits? By attempting to live the RULE of BENEDICT; by being encouraged and guided in reading -- and meditating on -- the Bible and various other spiritual materials; by instruction and guidance in learning to pray; by the monthly brief (often proving too frief) instructional meetings and periodic Days of Recollection; by the inspiring affiliation with St. Gertrude's religious community; by the community's example; by the support, prayers, and inspiration provided by other Oblates; by Betty and my praying together and participating in the Liturgy of the Hours. (If you want to know more about how to apply the ageless RULE to our modern daily lives, read Esther de Waal's ON SEEKING GOD, for example.)
I wish I had become an Oblate years ago!
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