monastic
Poetic solitude
From his youth Lax experienced a love of God that would not abate, calling him toward both solitude and engagement with others.
by Scott Cairns
Astonished, by Beverly Donofrio
Beverly Donofrio had just been “looking for a monastery to join, for Christ’s sake.” She had closed her laptop, having bookmarked religious communities she might write to, then had fallen into a deep sleep. During the night she was raped at knife point in her home in Mexico.
reviewed by Suzanne Guthrie
Refuge and strength: Finding peace at a monastery
I see the monastery sign and drive past. I know two monks there, and I've been grabbing at every possible lead. But I'm too ashamed to turn in.
On reading a weird monk joke about underwear
As I mentioned before, I’ve been reading this strange book called The Spiritual Meadow, written by sixth-century wandering monk John Moschos. One of the last stories in the book was as relevant to my daily existence as any story I have read in a long time. I have only the vaguest idea what it means, but I do know it’s another weird monk joke. And this one was aimed directly at me.
The story goes like this: In the ancient city of Antioch, the church had various kinds of social services. “A man who was a friend of Christ” used to gather supplies and give them out to people in need.
By Amy Frykholm
What’s in a promise? Living by covenant, not contract
Monastic vows sound familiar to anyone who's been to a wedding. In both marriage and celibacy, we promise to be faithful.
Monastic community on a trial basis
Must we lose monastic communities before we realize how profound their presence is in our lives?
By Debra Bendis