Ora Et Labora
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27560)
Philippines
July 21, 2019 3:01am CST
I grew up Benedictine, having spent my intermediate and secondary schooling at St. Scholastica's Academy. St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict. St. Benedict was the founder of monasticism.
Ora et Labora is the Benedictine motto. It means prayer and work.
This Sunday's Gospel tells us the origin of that motto.
Our blessed Lord Jesus was received by His beloved friends in Bethany, some three miles from Jerusalem. Sisters Mary and Martha welcomed our Lord. However, they received our Lord in different ways. Mary sat down and listened to our Lord but Martha spun around to prepare for a meal.
We have our own ways of offering our lives to give glory back to God. Our Lord tells us that the exemplary way is to pray and work.
So, give your self time for meditation. It is a time to listen to our God. He communicates with us when we keep our silence in prayer. When we're done, activate one's self in the service of others.
Ora et Labora.
A blessed Sunday to everyone
10 people like this
12 responses
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
21 Jul 19
I did not grow up in a Catholic School but I had a friend across the road that went to one called The Holy Rosary so I understood that quite well.
We used to sing hymns in the morning before school started which to me was a kind of prayer and we sure did work during the day.
Nice contremplation though.
3 people like this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
That is a wonderful way growing up - singing hymns and working with a friend.
Glad you know the Holy Rosary. The school was so named, I believe, because the institution wants to propagate the Holy Rosary, which is the Life of our Lord Jesus in the eyes of His Blessed Mother.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
22 Jul 19
@lovinangelsinstead21 That is a beautiful story of childhood friendship. Hope one day you get to meet them again and rekindle your cherished childhood bond.
Sometimes I feel God overwhelming, for He bestows us memories that makes us smile and be filled with joy, simply by recalling. Life becomes even more exciting for we know not what tomorrow brings. We could only hope that tomorrow will be as warm and sweet as yesterday.
My islands have turned into a nation of malls. We have the largest in Asia and it is called Mall of Asia. That is situated along Manila Bay.
Quezon City has SM MegaMall (a kilometer walk inside round and around), Shangrila (elite), and UP Town. The malls have taken over public spaces but the good thing is, people have come to the mall for full air conditioning, spending a day in comfort, much better than their own homes.The restaurants and kiosks are all over, one can choose a cuisine one prefers. The restrooms are clean and provide soap, lotion, napkins.
The Japanese and the Spaniards have made their amends, actually coming to our aid all times of disasters and calamities.
I can only sigh that perhaps it is fate of this beautiful archipelago that foreigners fall in love with our islands and want to make it their own. Filipinos are hospitable and we share what we can offer. Just that, we resist against colonizers.
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
22 Jul 19
@eileenleyva
They were my very best friends at that time and their Mom and Dad left this world within a year of each other so they were made to live with others and I never saw them again however the memory is still with me and I felt a great affiniity with them.
Was watching about the Filipinas yesterday what is the name of that Quezon City where they have built a huge Mall a big improvement for all I would say.
Beautiful place and the spanish that live there that do rattle on a bit but never mind.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
Yes, that is it exactly. You explain it so well. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471541)
• Switzerland
22 Jul 19
@eileenleyva I was born in Italy, so I am catholic and I went to a Catholic School during 8 years.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
22 Jul 19
@LadyDuck Vatican City is number 1 in my Bucket List. I simply am awed by the magnificence of St. Peter's Basilica.
Your birth country is so rich in culture and tradition but I suppose the most sublime fixture that stands today is that seat of power of the Roman Catholic Church.
I am a Catholic devout and proud. I love serving our Blessed God.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
I always tell people who need prayers that I will pray for them. Truth is, I love praying, Makes me feel calm and relaxed because I know the Lord is listening, God loves our prayers and if we say our prayers with all our heart, He grants and blesses.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
22 Jul 19
@Shavkat Love of God, love of country, love of family, love of self - these are what we live and die for.
Cherish the memories of your beloved father. Our loved ones define our lives.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (139933)
• Philippines
22 Jul 19
@eileenleyva Aside from my immediate family, I considered God as my best pal. I always talk to him and it is every day. Moreover, I also talk to my late father's soul. He is our angel now.
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (51964)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
I feel sad i didn't go to church today, maybe next sunday. But I have watch the gospel in youtube.
3 people like this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
Dear Knight, keep holy the day of the Lord - third commandment. In the Mass, we receive Communion. The Holly Host is the nourishment of the soul.
Keep the date every Sunday.
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
21 Jul 19
That is a beautiful motto and we have the same in our religion. I think all religion have the same base and teachings.
The two ladies welcomed Lord in different ways but God would have noticed both. That is so beautiful. We have our own ways of offering him back and He is aware of that and loves all.
3 people like this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
Yes, as the Golden Rule applies to all religions, so does prayer and work.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
Ora et labora - pray and work. Easy enough for us to remember and live by.
1 person likes this
@sophie09 (34236)
• Indonesia
22 Jul 19
@eileenleyva this is such a great saying
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
22 Jul 19
I heard that reading yesterday as well. It really means something indeed especially at work we have our own responsibilities to do and we should not compare why is she doing that and I am doing this. Just do what you can to serve the Lord and he will shower his blessings on those that truly serve him.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
Glad to know that.
Yes, all the glory back to God.
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
22 Jul 19
It was said in Sunday's homily that is good to pray while you work than working while you pray. Working, if offered to God, can also be a form of prayer though.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178701)
• United States
21 Jul 19
That's a wonderful motto. One we should all follow.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
Reality check, people seldom pray. So yes, people need to know this motto.
1 person likes this
@Miss_Leafy (4296)
• Colombia
21 Jul 19
I like this motto. Ora et Labora. Be qualified to work and pray for God's blessings .
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
Yes, blessings are always there for us , we just have to pray and work. God is a giving God.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 19
@Miss_Leafy Thank you.
God bless you.
1 person likes this
@Miss_Leafy (4296)
• Colombia
21 Jul 19
@eileenleyva Very true, my friend. I like your words
1 person likes this
@isaiasreyes (5)
•
22 Jul 19
good friend, I think the activity is good for sharing as a family
1 person likes this
