An Ornithological Cloud of Witnesses

On Saturday during midday prayer in St. Lucy Chapel, several ravens gathered at one of the small windows at the very top of the chapel—a meeting of the ornithological prioress and her monastic council, perhaps. (Because the raven was so significant in the life of St. Benedict, it seems natural to assign these birds monastic roles.) Two of the ravens engaged in a very animated conversation; while facing each other, one member of the council cawed mightily and the prioress responded. This went on for a while, but apparently the council member didn’t like what the prioress had to say, because she deliberately turned her back on her. The conversation continued for a while, with the council member continuing her complaint and the prioress responding to the turned back of her companion, until the aggrieved council member flew off. The prioress pecked in frustration at the window, as if to say, “See what I have to put up with!” before she and the other council members also flew away. As this drama was unfolding, our prayer leader was reading, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us….” (Hebrews 12:1).

Perhaps this ornithological Benedictine “cloud of witnesses” that surrounded us on Saturday was showing us the importance of laying aside our own preferences, being willing to compromise, and staying engaged in conversation even in the midst of heated disagreements. If we are to persevere in running the race that is set before us—that is, living out our vocation to love God and others during our lifetime—we will need the challenge, encouragement, and patience of our companions. Saint Benedict knew that very few people are strong enough to travel the road alone, as hermits, which is why he wrote his Rule for how to live together in a monastic community. In the midst of its challenges, life in community teaches us how to recognize Christ in our midst and how to persevere. Ultimately, it is a “caws” for celebration!