The monastic vocation is a vocation of hope. The daily work of the monastic person and the community as a whole is to contribute to our investment in the kingdom that is not of this world. While the visible activities of ministry might involve living in this world on a day-to-day basis, (ideally) the monastic vision remains focused on the realm of life that is beyond death.
I have heard this question more than once recently, “How can anyone be happy and at peace in a world that is in so much turmoil as ours is now?” St. Benedict’s response to this question would be rooted in the tried and true monastic tradition, “Where is your focus?” There is very justified reasoning behind St. Benedict’s prohibition of monks who are returning from a journey to speak about what they have seen outside of the monastic environment (RB 67.5). St. Benedict doesn’t want his disciples to have their attention shifted away from the monastic task of seeking God and the “labor of obedience” (Prol. 2).
The primary work of monastic women and men is “to do battle for the true King, Christ the Lord” (Prol. 3). The desire of the monk, and thus the focus of the monk’s life, is for “true and eternal life,” using “the Gospel for our guide” (Prol. 17, 21). If we wish to dwell in the tent of God’s kingdom, we will never arrive unless we run there by doing good deeds (Prol. 22). “The Lord waits for us daily to translate into action…his holy teaching” (Prol. 35). Thus, “never swerving from [God’s] instructions, but faithfully observing his teaching in the monastery until death, we shall through patience share in the sufferings of Christ that we may also deserve to share in his kingdom” (Prol. 50).
In our modern context in Western society, we are overly exposed to worldly issues, values and concerns, which makes it very difficult to keep focused on our primary vocation. We can find refuge from the turmoil swirling in the media if we choose to double-down on our efforts to “do good deeds” and to translate into action the teachings of Christ. Pray. Be a compassionate presence to the suffering and the lonely. Forgive. Show mercy. Act with kindness. Pray some more. Nurture life. Engage in generative activities. Rely on God’s strength to do whatever is necessary. Stay focused, and never lose hope in God’s mercy. It is not for this life only that we cultivate our investment in the kingdom of God.
In keeping with the jubilee year and the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” may we all journey together to true and everlasting life with joyful hope and the peace of Christ in our hearts. Amen.
By Sister Therese Haydel, OSB