Alan J Munday (Most Rev. Dom)'s Comments

Thank you Bede for your good Benedictine hospitality in welcoming me to the network, which is much appreciated.

I hope to respond a bit more in due course.

Warm best wishes and prayers, also asking yours

Alan

Br Bede,

I hope you will forgive my chiming in.  

First Alan welcome to the COS group. 

Second,what a profound and Spirit filled interaction you describe with the man who commented about not believing in God.  Thank you for taking the time to ask him the question that allowed him to go deeper.  I think that the Holy Spirit was given an opportunity to shine.

I too believe that the Holy Spirit is at work "to bridge the gap" and this is one of our roles as new monastics.  I think we can begin to seal this divide if we live a life of heartfelt discipleship.  Br Peter presented a series of homilies this last summer that explored discipleship.  They included five steps: 1.  Listen. 2. Pray. 3. Surrender 4. Do something and 5. Enjoy.  I believe that these are truly all very important aspects of the new monasticism.  If we, as monastics, live with our hearts open to these steps I think we become "the bridge" God is seeking and people will remember God and believe in the "church" again. 

Thank you for allowing me to share in the conversation. 

Prayers and Peace to you,

Elisa

COS