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A Benedictine community is characterized by its quality of being rooted in the experience of transcendence, not other worldly, but truly spiritual. And the medium of transcendence is silence, the acceptance of the inadequacy of words to bring us into the light of reality. A community that knows the mystery of being silent together, where all hold their hearts in readiness and attentiveness, becomes the embodiment of the light that fills all hearts, the light that is the Realty all share.
October, 2010 I don't know if I would call this a “newsletter.” It seems more like a letter of reflection - a more personal letter. The excerpts from Letters From the Heart - the book I read 29 years ago that drew me to visit John Main's community in Montreal and inspired me to create Hesed Community, describes the essence of what Hesed is about - entering into the mystery of silent prayer, journeying together in the light of Christ, being on a pilgrimage where love cannot be described. It can only be known. This is what we share. This is Benedictine community. Very countercultural. The energy of prayer effects the world. As difficult as things seem right now, many positive things are also happening. Our ego's are frustrated because we often don't see the results. This letter is coming to you somewhat late because I had a “little” surprise in August. I landed in the hospital for a few days due to a strong allergic reaction to a medication I had been taking for some time. The main problem was lack of oxygen. Gratefully, I was back at Hesed, tethered to oxygen just a few days when I went to my pulminologist who said my oxygen level was fine. A small miracle. Now, I am in good health, thank God. Thank all of you who prayed for me, sent gifts, cards, e-mails etc. expressing your support and concern. Your kindnesses were gratefully received and a bit overwhelming. Community is an amazing gift. Speaking of community, a few months ago, I received this letter from Gail Chester who was a regular participant at Hesed for several years until she and her husband Richard, moved to Florida for health reasons. Included in each monthly donation is a hand written letter telling me how they are doing. Here is one of Gail's reflections: I never thought myself to be a greedy person. But then I read the insightful words of Joan Chittister on the topic. Greed, she pointed out, was wanting time to hold more than it comfortably could. In her words, I met myself - greedy for even more time, a greed which unchecked could rival the proverbial mustard seed - especially as my disabled husband's needs grow. Enter: caregivers burnout. It's at times like these that the blessing of Hesed, the bonds of love and support, the faith-filled fidelity of others, draw me back to meditation. I know there's a power greater than mine operative here. Though my heart is cold and meditation seems less than desirable at the moment, there is a call, a bond, which brings me back once again to the True Source of power and healing and peace. It's at times when failure seems to defeat my struggling resolve to care for my own ongoing health demands, that I know the blessing that Hesed is to me. I am not alone when I am settled in my prayer corner and you in yours at Hesed. We are one. Would that there was a Hesed in every community, in every residential neighborhood. I pray that Hesed Community will continue to be a gift to many. And a recent reflection from Adele Hanson, Benedictine Oblate of Hesed. WHAT THE HESED COMMUNITY MEANS TO ME It has been ten years since I showed up at 3745 Elston Ave, looking desperately for a way I could reconnect with a sense of God's Presence in my life. I knew very little about either meditation or the Rule of Benedict. I only knew my deep hunger. The deacon of my Episcopal Church and a friend, an Episcopal priest, had suggested I come to Hesed to learn Christian meditation. Though I had been an active member of my parish for 50 years, participation in the Liturgy no longer fed my soul. How much more I found than what I asked for or expected! I simply hoped that learning to meditate, as a technique (something to add to my “to-do” list), would renew my connection to God. While it has certainly done this, so many other riches have been added to my life! I have been blessed by the deep silence, the rich, shared, real presence of “Hesed”: God's Loving Kindness and Presence as we participate in meditation and liturgy. I have found such a depth of companionship and love with my Hesed brothers and sisters, fellow “pilgrims on the Way.” As Christ promised, “Where two or three are gathered together, I will be with you.” There is a level of trust among us that is so deep, so precious! Becoming an Oblate gave me a structure my soul badly needed. The Rule of Benedict has provided a way of ordering my life that is so rich, gentle, yet challenging, filled with God's Love. I treasure the ecumenical nature of this community as I have listened to the yearnings of the hearts of so many of you. The labels of denomination become so unimportant! I thank God for Sr. Barbara's wise and gentle guidance, for her vision, her courage and passion for this community. I thank God for all the members of this community who have shown me a depth of love and spiritual companionship I had never known possible!
There is a person who comes to Hesed at least once a week to do whatever needs to be done re the house or caregiving or whatever. I call her “The Hesed Angel.” Chona Sacramento, who is a Family Sister of Hesed, has been coming here since 2004 when she was hired to help me recuperate from hip replacement surgery. She has been coming ever since. We pay her $100 per month. It is time to recognize her faithfulness. (She is also raising three children while her husband is in the Navy.) Enclosed in this mailing is an envelope which I hope you will return to Hesed with a donation for Chona. You can make the check out to Hesed. My hope is to present her with a generous check at our December Celebration. Meanwhile, if you happen to see her, please don't mention this. Hopefully, it will be a lovely surprise. Thank you for whatever you can give. Future Dates (Mark your calendars.) 2010 Sunday, Dec. 5th - Annual Hesed Feast day Celebration. 4:30 p.m. Lake Merritt Methodist Church 2011 SUNDAY, MAY 15
With love and gratitude,
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