Wednesday, November 12, 2008

One degree of separation

When we think of a "monk" we usually think of someone who has isolated himself from the world, so as not to be tainted by it. In his place of separation he is free to devote himself to God in prayer, fasting, meditation and Scripture reading and memorization. The monk is responding to the Apostle Paul's call to "pray without ceasing."

It is interesting to note, however, that the earliest Christian monastics (known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers) sought to separate themselves not so much from the world, but from the Church they saw as becoming secularized and too worldly. They saw a conflict between the teachings of Christ and the practices of the Church. They took what they felt were necessary steps to "come out from among them and be ye separate." They wanted nothing to come between them and their Lord - even if it was the Church! This "extreme practice" began as early as the third century. I'm sure John the Baptist would have applauded them!

Imagine that, the Church appearing too worldly..... surely not in our day!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not all Monks are saints, but one is coming close. Well sort of, and then maybe not.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=14398

Monk@Heart said...

You have correctly said that, "not all monks are saints." I would add, "For a monastery does not a saint make."

I have always been leery of what have been called posthumous miracles and having them be recognized as one of the criteria for one's canonization.

According to the Scriptures, we will be judged by God on the basis of what we did while in our bodies, not for things supposedly done after we have left our bodies.

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10, NIV)

Why should we judge any differently?

Anonymous said...

I didn't know where to fit this in on this blog other than there is a large degree of separation but found it noteworthy.
http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/11/immunity-denied.html