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Page 5 of 6 RELATIONSHIP
Monasticism is fundamentally about relationship. Many people think that monasticism is simply about fleeing from the world. To be sure, in some small sense it is. Fleeing the corruption of the world, as well as our own self-centered inclinations, are central to spiritual growth. However, fleeing corruption does not mean that we flee community. Entering the monastery, or living the life of an Associate or Oblate, is for the purpose of encountering society. Like Jesus and his disciples, we draw away in order to be able to minister more effectively. Any person who considers entering a monastery in order to avoid people and problems – although rarely stated this way or so bluntly – has misunderstood the message of monasticism. Solitude is for service. Silence is for speech. Cloister is for community. Prayer is for people. Separation is for encounter.
Thomas Merton is a good example of this, as are members of the Abbey at which I receive spiritual direction. Merton, although a monk principally stationed in Kentucky, ministered to the world. He wanted to be a solitary, and eventually was granted this gift, but was also thrust into public service. Many monks throughout history had the same experience. Members of St. Andrew’s Abbey travel the world, teaching being one of their principal forms of outreach. The Society of St. John the Evangelist ministers to the inner city poor. And even if a monastery is completely devoted to prayer, where they never leave their grounds or engage in any other form of ministry, isn’t unceasing prayer a gift to the world? Love calls us into seclusion and out to serve. They form the life-breath of healthy Christian spirituality.
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