MONASTIC LIFE The following article was written for a Christmas Chronicle entitled THE GIFTS OF A MONASTERY. Br. Pierre In the study of Church history and spirituality, we find many references to the monastic influence. We tend to raise many questions to satisfy our curiosity as to the causes or charisms of the monks of the past. A culture is never established by direct means. It is shaped by many factors. As we try to point out the relevance of monastic life today, we discover many by-products that are the most striking elements to outsiders. The medieval monks did not join monasteries to build, to compose music, or to transcribe manuscripts. They followed an inner call to seek God. As we commit ourselves to truly seeking God in the twentieth century, we have been able to notice as well some of the by-products that are important to us and meaningful to the guests who come to share our life. 1-This school of the Lords service is an institution for the search of meaning. The identity of a monk is a matter of becoming, a growth in the quality of life and in faith. Therefore, his formation is always in progress, with the Gospel as a guide, to go forward on His paths. 2-This community shows the capacity of men from various countries and backgrounds to live together in spite of many differences that are part of nature. The mutual support can be felt at various levels and at different degrees in this classless society. The Rule of St.Benedict has some references to the idea of edification (aedificare is the Latin word for to build up). The monk has to face his responsibility without denying his Christian freedom. 3-We find an anthropology that gives room for the body as it stands close to nature and to related sciences in manual work; for the soul yearning for knowledge through lectio divina and studies; for spirit as a means of communication in prayer. 4-A sense of poetry is cultivated by the use of rituals and symbols. As we try to read between the lines of the sacred texts and hear the harmony of simple tones, the mystery becomes more accessible. The religious profession is the sacrament of the eschaton (the last thing), of the parousia (the final coming). 5-The Liturgy of the Hours marks the rhythm of the day and of the seasons like the down beats of a musical line. The regular order is infinitely varied since it includes motion and rest. work and leisure. How does this relate to the Gospel? It helps one to practice the commandments: You shall love your God with all your heart...and your neighbor as yourself. There are three objects of love in that quotation: God, the neighbor, and the self. By a commitment to seek him, by our praise, and by faith in his mystery, we seek the glory of God. By sharing the material goods as well as the burden and responsibilities in the community, the monk exercises a social role. With an awareness an appreciation of his own talents and limitations (self-knowledge), the monk is able to relate to others and to God. He remains human and is in need of Gods grace to bear most patiently one anothers infirmities (St.Benedict). Having therefore our loins girt about with faith and the observance of good works, let us, with the Gospel as our guide, go forward on His paths, that we may deserve to see in His kingdom Him who has called us. Prologue of the Rule
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 19:25:57 +0000
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