Today's artwork is St. Anthony the Great, by Piero di Cosimo, 1480. Sometimes called the Father of Monasticism, Anthony was one of the first to live a solitary life in the desert, completely cut off from civilization.
This week's reflections will be taken from Essential Monastic Wisdom, by Hugh Feiss. The prayers are from Prayers for Dawn and Dusk, Edward F. Gabriele.
Opening Prayer
God of all creation,
the heavens proclaim your glory
and the skies, your wonders.
Jesus is the radiant dawn,
the Word, which is our rule of life,
truth, compassion, and perfect justice.
As daylight breaks,
we give you praise for the gift of Christ,
who is forever in our midst,
leading us from sunrise to sunset
to offer you a perfect sacrifice of praise.
All honor and glory be yours,
through Christ and the Holy Spirit
forever and ever. Amen.
Read 1 Kings 13:1-10
Monastic Wisdom on Silence and Speech
Silence is a cornerstone of Benedictine life and spiritual development, but the goal of monastic silence is not non-talking. The goal of monastic silence and monastic speech is respect for others, a sense of place, a spirit of peace. Silence for its own selfish, insulating sake, silence that is passive-aggressive, silence that is insensitive to the present needs of the other is not Benedictine silence.
Sister Joan Chittister
Closing Prayer
Hear our prayer, merciful God, and grant that the vision of your reign may ever be in our minds and hearts. As we begin our daily labor, may your truth be found in our words and deeds. We ask this through Christ our steadfast companion. Amen.
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