A Monastic Voice II...Sunday, March 2, 2008
One common misconception about monastic life is that it is easy. When I would tell folks about my time there they would usually smile and talk about how great it would be to get away and be able to be close with God. They whimsically imagine how peaceful life is in the monastery, and to some degree how wonderful the monks must be.
I have just hinted at about 3 or 4 common misunderstandings but I will address only two of them for now. That is, going to a monastery for an extended amount of time (more than a 1-2 week silent retreat) is not a peaceful get away or vacation with God. I did think this when I entered...boy was I wrong. You go to battle. What do I mean by this? Many things but I will only mention a few. You face yourself. This alone can be pretty challenging. You begin to see yourself more for who you really are. The saints call this self awareness and it is absolutely essential to life in Christ. It is a primary step in growth in our Lord. It is a complex subject to be sure but one thing that takes place is you move from looking at your actions to looking at the reasons behind those actions (or the reasons behind those reasons etc...). You also move from the illusions of certainty to the reality of uncertainty. You simply engage with God as He really is...not what some slick sales pitch wants you to believe! You wrestle with and encounter a mysterious incommunicable God who allows you to go through dry times and one how forms your character at ever deepening levels (as opposed to a God who cares primarily for your comfort). Enough for now... +
Total comments on this post (2)
Thanks for succint but worthy piece. We discuss these points in a small group of email dialogues: romantic illusions about monasticism. The points you make are crucial, especially the uncertainty.
posted by
John,
posted by 
Involved in Youth Ministry for over 10 years, Rev Chris Zoephel has worked with junior highers, senior highers and those who act like these folks both as a paid staff member and as a volunteer in churches and para church organizations. These days most of his time is spent chasing his son around, keeping his office somewhat organized and trying to point others toward Christ. Currently Chris is on staff at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, FL as the Pastor of Discipleship (which includes being a youth pastor). Chris also serves as Director of YAMIA for the Anglican Mission in the Americas. |
  On mission in Jamaica  Sarah, Paul and Chris Zoephel most recent posts
A Monastic Voice... archives
January 2008 
|
