Fishing at the Rosary Garden

[Aim4TheMark]

Near my home is a monastery and church (which I belonged to when I lived in that town) which has a Rosary garden on the property. The Rosary garden has statues depicting the mysteries of the Rosary, on a path around a small lake. Today I was feeling lonely in my faith, thinking of how I have no friends or acquaintances who share my love of God, so I thought of going to the Rosary garden to pray the Rosary, and maybe by some chance, bump into a priest, monk, or other lover of God.

Shortly after I arrived and began praying the Rosary, two men showed up with tackle boxes and fishing pole - but all around the lake are many signs that say, “No Fishing”. As I walked past the men with my beads in hand, it seemed that they were giving me odd looks (though obviously that could just have been my imagination). Shortly after, they walked over to the lake and began to fish.

I wasn’t sure if I should remind the men of the “No Fishing” signs, or just “mind my own business” as is so common in the world today, but after a while I realized I was thinking more about these men fishing than I was contemplating the Rosary, so I thought it best to say something. I gently said to them, “Sorry to bother you guys, but did you notice the ‘No Fishing’ signs posted around the lake?” and they replied they were given permission to fish there. I asked by whom and they named a priest and deacon at the church. I thanked them and apologized.

It must seem very petty but I found myself distracted from praying the Rosary and left after the first five mysteries. Often I walk around my neighborhood or a nearby lake where people fish or do any other common activities, and I pray the Rosary without worry or distraction; in those circumstances I’m expecting to be “in the world”. But in a place made for prayer and contemplation, I was saddened and annoyed that people would be given permission to recreationally fish, almost like allowing people to use the church for playing games while others were trying to pray. There are so few place left in the world that seem ‘sacred’ anymore.

As I thought about it, I could think of many rationalizations why the men should be allowed to fish there, and that I was just being petty, but still it just didn’t sit right with me the rest of the day, leaving me in a bit of a funk.

Thanks for listening to me vent.

Mark

 

[z_0101]

The “No Fishing” signs are there for a reason.
You had every right to politely inquire about their activity.
IMHO you should call the Monastery Office and ask to speak with the individuals these people named and relate to them the same story you have done here.

This will accomplish a few things:

• It will let someone know that you need some spiritual help who is in a position to provide some spiritual direction
• It will get this thought out of your head.
• It will let the Monastery know that there are people potentially using their grounds in an unapproved activity. As much as I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, all too often, people take a mile when they were only given an inch.

Peace be with you.