Silence
Syrian forces overrun opposition in rebel stronghold of Homs...death toll over 7500...Davy Jones dies at 66...tornadoes hit the midwest...Republican presidential candidates look to super Tuesday...Madame Tussauds reveals new wax figure of Justin Bieber for his birthday...a silen movie, "The Artist," wins Best Picture...three men were killed during drug deal in Gwinnett County...temperatures are rising and I forgot to put pre-emergent on my lawn...I wonder if the sandwiches will be good at lunch...I hope folks remember to turn off their cellphones during the mid-day prayer today...where did I put the money for the tip?...I sure hope the weatherman was right! It would be awful trying to get all these folks off the motorcoach and into the monastery with only a few umbrellas.............
Look! just beyond the trees! The Monastery of the Holy Spirit!
Our schedule will be as follows....this gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your time here.....be careful as you exit the motorcoach..."Welcome!"
"My name is Brother Peter."
"I am Phill. So good to meet you! Should the folks look around the gift shop until it is time for the video...or perhaps they should wait in the lobby"........
"They are welcome to look around the gift shop."
..."Okay folks, look around the gift shop until it is time for the video."....
"The monastery is a school of the Lord's service
where Christ is formed in the hearts of the brothers through the liturgy,
the abbot's teaching and the fraternal way of life.
Through God's Word the monks are trained in a discipline of heart and action
to be responsive to the Holy Spirit and so attain purity of heart
and a continual mindfulness of God's presence."
Commitment
"How?" "Why?" "God."
Silence
"Are you sure it is possible?" "I can hear the beat of one's heart."
Discipline
"Get up at 3:45 a.m.!" "I am not alone."
Community
"all brothers are of one heart and one mind, they have everything in common.
By bearing one another's burdens they fulfill Christ's law, participating in his sufferings
in the hope of entering the kingdom of heaven."
Praying ......... together
Working ................................................. together
Eating ......... together
Living ...................................................... together
Dying ......... together
"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them."
Trees...
birds... flowers...
gentle breeze
smell of coffee... incense...
bells... wind chimes...
smiles...
silence
Phill, you've created a thoughtful and accurate literary image of a community that is very special. I've retreated at the monastery and visit as often as I can. Somehow, in spite of your responsibility for shepherding the people you brought with you, you found some time for reflection at the monastery.
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying your blog -- and clearly, you are too! I look forward to following you on your journey.