St. Benedict’s first word in the Holy Rule is “Listen.”
I just returned from Mt. Angel Abbey, which is a Benedictine monastery in Oregon, where I tried to practice this word for three days. I listened with well-trained monks as my guide, and I entered the rhythm of monastic prayer as best I could.
While at the monastery, I met with Father Jeremy Driscoll, who has been a valuable voice in my life. He is a gifted teacher, poet and author of several books. I invite you to pick up a copy of Father Jeremy’s latest book, A Monk’s Alphabet – Moments of Stillness in a Turning World. It is a wonderful exploration of God at work in the ordinary moments of life. As we enter that part of the church calendar called “ordinary time” I think you will find Father Jeremy a skilled guide.
At some point in our conversation Father Jeremy looked at me and said, “You and I are not so different. Except for the obvious differences, our journeys are very similar. Mine is an inward journey and yours is an outward journey, but they are both explorations of God’s grace in hard places and, therefore, they are both dangerous.” I think he is right. Our journeys mirror one another, and if we are honest, they are mutually dependent on one another, especially if we hope to arrive safely at our destination.
Father Jeremy’s comment reminded me of a particular passage in A Monk’s Alphabet. Father Jeremy writes about the monastery and the monastic call as a call to live “on the edge of the world,” but he wants to be precise with his words and so he is careful to point out that the call is to live on the edge without going over the edge. He goes on to say that monks know “there are possibilities along the edge that cannot be had at the center. They are willing to share those possibilities with any who come, but the sense of edge or margin must be maintained.” I can’t say that I fully understand what he means by this, but I get it at a gut level and I think it is why the monastery feels strangely familiar to me.
I asked Father Jeremy to pray for the network of grassroots leaders that I serve – leaders who are living on the edge of the world and who are finding incredible possibilities at the margins. He assured me that he would, and I am grateful.
Kris Rocke
Serves as director of Center for Transforming Mission
Bumps into Reality by accident, most of the time
Heard God laugh once
Comments (2)
Interesting post, especially the part about monasticism being an inward journey that parallels many of our journies outward. I've always felt a bit uncomfortable about the idea of seeking separation from the world, as monks do (to different degrees). I think that's because I believe that being engaged with the world is an integral part of following Christ. Father Jeremy seems to suggest that the inward and outward journey are not opposite or mutually exclusive. Good food for thought...
I also wondered if you had heard of/seen the movie Into Great Silence, about monks in the French Alps. I haven't seen it but it looked interesting, and I'd love to hear any thoughts you have on it. A link to the New York Times review is here.
~Mary
Posted by Mary Dewey | January 30, 2008 6:51 PM
Posted on January 30, 2008 18:51
I would love to get this book as I always feel the tug to pursue that inward journey to the exclusion of all else. Yet, God will not allow me to leave the outside world! Thank you for comparing the two and reminding us that they are not mutually exclusive. Henri Nouwen has been a great encourager to me in this.
Posted by Barb Demolar | February 4, 2008 9:21 AM
Posted on February 4, 2008 09:21