Monk?

Some may consider it a bit presumptuous for a non-monk to be commenting on the monastic life, asking, “How can he say anything meaningful about such a specialized way of life when he’s not living it?” A fair enough question, and one I’ve thought seriously about before deciding to do this. My answer is twofold.

First, I did live for a short time in the novitiate of the Abbey of the Genesee, and have kept contact over the intervening years with the community, once, at the request of the abbot, returning for eight months and living on the grounds while assisting with a library project. This I believe gives me an insight that only experience can give, and which informs the substance of my reflections.

However, more importantly, I have felt a pulling on me to do this, which, I have come to believe, is a kind of “call” if you will. I certainly hope the Holy Spirit guides my reflections here, and it proves not to be presumptuous for a layman to share his thoughts on a way of life he considers a blessing for all people, Christian or not.

Please share your comments with me and let me know what you think. Peace.