Abandonment, Monastic Life & God

 

The more we live and listen to the worldlings,  the greater should we despise theworld. We live in a world which jolly well knows its Creator,  and realizes what Sin does but nonetheless despises the Sovereign Good over worthless "desires and goods" of this world. St. John The Evangelist in his Gospel, "And this is the judgment: because the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light: for their works were evil. [20] For every one that doth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, that his works may not be reproved."(St. John 3: 18-19)

There's a reason why monks leave the world.  It is to run away from the three primary enemies to the soul, namely; the Devil,  The Flesh and The World. The Monastic Life isn't something new! It's pre-existed Christianity. Yet in Christianity,  it's fullest meaning is deciphered.  I have often felt this call, and I do not know how long I can stay away from it. For the Call of God is Silent and yet Strong. 

The word 'monk' hails from the Greek word 'moñes' which means alone. And being alone with God is the most romantic thing ever. The reason why we exist, is for God and because He made us. When this Divine Romantic calls, may we heed His Call.

The Holy Rule of St. Benedict of Nursia says, "To you, therefore, my words are now addressed, whoever you may be, who are renouncing your own will to do battle under the Lord Christ, the true King, and are taking up the strong, bright weapons of obedience."

And since an idle mind is the devil's workshop, a monk is always at his "Ora et labora" (work and prayer). Work and Prayer aren't two distinct terms but one, when it comes to monasticism in Christendom. Their tasks are for God and God alone. Neither do they work to please others,  nor themselves.

A monk lives for God and dies in Service of This Divine Lover of Souls. To love Him, is to deny the Flesh and one's own Will. St. Augustine writes in His Rule, "Subdue the flesh, so far as your health permits, by fasting and abstinence from food and drink. However, when someone is unable to fast, he should still take no food outside mealtimes unless he is ill."

A monk can never be devoid of Prayer. His union with God, through Prayer is as though he breathes oxygen. St. Augustine describes this beautifully, "Be assiduous in prayer (Col 4:2), at the hours and times appointed. In the Oratory no one should do anything other than that for which was intended and from which it also takes its name. Consequently, if there are some who might wish to pray there during their free time, even outside the hours appointed, they should not be hindered by those who think something else must be done there. When you pray to God in Psalms and hymns, think over in your hearts the words that come from your lips. Chant only what is prescribed for chant; moreover, let nothing be chanted unless it is so prescribed."

In the common Brotherhood under the banners of Christ,  The selfishness and pride looses its grasp and hence love is victorious. Such is the Monastic Life. 

Let us who hear the Call run in haste to that Divine Lover. "Here I am Lord! Behold,  I come to do Thy Will". Abandonment into God's Hands, one's own Will is the essence of Christianty.  May we who feel the Call , no more stray from it.