|
To Be a Monk |
The irreducible essence of a vocation to be a monk, and the surest sign of that vocation, is the efficacious will to do it. Not a vague desire, not an ineffectual wish, but a firm and effective decision to embrace monastic life. In a prospective candidate we look for that clear determination of will. We also look for idealism. A monastic hopeful must have an ardent desire to grow in love for God and people. He must have a strong desire to become unified within himself and united with God and all creation in contemplative love. This idealism needs to be complemented by a common sense practical realism. The aspirant to monastic life has got to be able to accept, love, and give himself to imperfect conditions and an imperfect community. If a person simply cannot take orders, follow instructions, and keep rules, then he had better forget the monastic enterprise.
And you cannot succeed in this way of life unless you can get along well with people, including eccentric people! Also necessary are the basic human personality strengths enabling the neophyte to develop as a person in a fundamentally silent and solitary life-style. If a man cannot work hard at manual labor, if he cannot get dirty, if menial work is intolerable, then he may as well drop the idea of becoming a monk. At least average intelligence, a sense of humor, and a passion for life are further traits of a vocation. Where there is at least a good beginning of these characteristics, there is the human material out of which a monk can be made.
To become a monk is a life-long process. It takes determination, constantly renewed efforts and very much inner experience of suffering and joy in prayer. It is beyond human strength. It is possible only with God and with the man who can trust God and the people and circumstances God provides. In the end, a monk is only a Christian who trusts and entrusts himself to God, to God' call, and to God's providence within that call.
An off-site link
An e-mail link