Observations about Monks
Since I was younger, I have always admired the discipline of the monastic orders. I myself growing up as a Baptist did not have religious orders and yet the dedication to their faith and self-restrictions were worth respect. The Christian Faith has always been a Faith of discipline. We don’t just give into the whims of our flesh but have self-control. The modern minimalism movement is such a movement that reflects some Christian values. The Franciscans were those who took on poverty. And in this worldly poverty they find the worthy gift to have is their Faith and not the “riches” most people feel are greater.
Some random thoughts I am going to be writing on:
- willful poverty
- simplicity in all things
- life of prayer
- life of prayerful study
- life of singing
- humble servitude
- more on people and less on things
- love for neighbor over one’s self
- mindfulness of the poor
- no excess
- simple clothes
- simple home
- resourcefulness
- less consumeristic
- going without
- living out the Faith
In the end the life of a monk is more than just a monastery but a dedication of your life to Christ. You can do that in your job or your home. Your life can be one steadfast choice of dedication to Christ and living out that Faith in the world that is now. I think for most monastic orders they lose sight that one is to go into the world and preach the Gospel, not completely isolate themselves. Mark 16:15
Some Scripture to reflect on.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
(Matthew 6:19-21)
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
(Proverbs 13:7)
A. T. Sully
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Photo by Gu Bra