Inner Spirit

Audré Louf writes “There are books which only transmit a patiently acquired and judiciously expressed knowledge. On the contrary, others well up from within, flowing as from an inner source. Born of an experience with which they still resonate, they tend to communicate this experience as if by vibrations, by a secret connivance.”  If you want to travel deeply into the spirit, and reap the greatest benefits from spiritual reading, you need to develop an atmosphere of contemplation. First needed is the ability to be still and listen. We tend to use prayer for asking...for questioning...for adoration. These are good. But not enough. To be able to sit before God in silence and open the heart to His inspirations...this is the essense of contemplation. It's the experience of Elijah, who waited to hear the voice of God on the mountain side. 1 Kings 19 tells us "A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crashing rocks before the LORD--but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake--but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire--but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound."  And God's voice was in the whisper. The incident demonstrates how God reveals Himself not so much in the highlights or dramatic elements of our life, but in the quiet silence of reflection. That's because silence helps us learn about God, and opens our hearts to His words. By sitting before God in silence and stillness...we give ourselves the best possible gift. That of opening our heart to God, so that He may fill it.

The truth about Community Life

Living in a monastic community brings both companionship and solitude. It's a perfect combination, and probably the only one of its kind. Private time allows one to do lectio divina, meditation, and your own work. Community time together brings companionship, support, and wonderful times together. Imagine living with people whose core beliefs are similar to your own. Imagine conversation on issues where you are free to express your opinions freely and let your opinions be influenced by others insights. The experience is unique, bringing much joy and peace.

Penthos

Penthos is a forgotten virtue in our day. Yet the Fathers and Mothers in the desert insisted that unless you had it, you were not on "the way". "If anyone does not destroy the passions of the soul with the fire of tears, he will never be able to acquire charity, which is the fullness of the law" says an author of the life of Saint Theognos. Why do we not hear about this? Our devotions tend to be clean and sanitized. Emotions are actually discouraged. Yet, early Christians felt emotions were part of the human condition, and should be directed toward the spiritual!