Friday, May 18, 2012

Being a Benedictine at Home

Of all of the monastic traditions, that of the Benedictines has always held the most appeal for me.  It is the combination of prayer, study and work that has captured my heart.  During the past week since being home from New Mexico, I have moved into a more regular rhythm of that life.  The most significant change from that of my life when I am working full-time is that of reading a great deal  more than I am able to do when working at church.  This has been a wonderful gift.

Last night I finished Belden Lane's The Solace of Fierce Landscapes.  This was one of the best books on spirituality I have read in years.  Books such as this are a rare find for those of us who have had profound experiences of God in the wilderness.  Now I have begun Diana Butler Bass' new book Christianity after Religion.  This is an entirely different read as it explores what has been happening in the American religious landscape over the past 30 years.  It is both challenging and exciting.

Prayer and scripture reading are a significant part of my day; it is wonderful to have the luxury of not being on a time schedule with these sacred acts.   My heart is calming.

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