Blessing of Ministries

Every year on the day of our August community meeting at Mount St. Scholastica, it is traditional to have a “blessing of ministries” at evening prayer. As part of this ritual, each member of the community joins a procession to receive the sign of the cross and words of blessing of their ministry from the prioress. It is an important affirmation of the value of all the work we do, from planning retreats and teaching to scrubbing toilets and pulling weeds.

Because work is so much a part of our lives, we tend to forget that it connects us to God. In this regard, Pope John Paul II’s description of St. Bonifacia Rodriguez Castro is instructive: he said, she “is a simple worker who, in the midst of everyday life, opened herself to the gift of God, allowing it to grow in her heart….” Thus, the task of washing dishes should open us to gratitude because it means God has gifted us with food. The task of caring for our monastic elders should lead us to thank God for their many years of labor and their wisdom. All our work can remind us of God’s presence in our lives if we take the time to make the connection.

In his book Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim, Fr. Edward Hays included the following Psalm Before Beginning Work. When we find ourselves grumbling about our jobs, perhaps it would be a good practice to read this psalm at the beginning of the day as a reminder that the real purpose of our work is to draw near to God—the one who has undertaken the work of creation.

A PSALM BEFORE BEGINNING WORK

   To you oh Divine One, from whose hands comes the work of creation, so artfully designed, I pray that this work I am about to do may be done in companionship with you.

   May the work that I will soon begin sing praise to you as songbirds do.

   May the work that I will soon begin add to the light of your presence because it is done with great love.

   May the work that I will soon begin speak like a prophet of old of your dream of beauty and unity.

   May the work that I will soon begin be a shimmering mirror of your handiwork—in the excellence of its execution—in the joy of doing it for its own sake—in my poverty of ownership over it—in my openness to failure or success—in my invitation to others to share in it—and in its bearing fruit for the world.

   May I be aware that through this work I draw near you. I come to you, Beloved, with ready hands.