Monastic Engagement

Last updated on: July 19, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

There are people who see monastic life as escaping, as running away from real life. Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of intentionally losing touch wth immediacy and practicality. They get a little itchy thinking about even a few hours without Internet access. Some people believe monastic life is choosing not to meet our responsibilities to contribute in the world. The monks I know see monastic life differently. They recognize they take the world with them into the monastery. Monastic... Read more

Practicing Spiritual Restlessness

Last updated on: July 16, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

People like to think spiritual life is a source of security, a place to go back to when we are stressed. We expect spiritual life to be like a comfortable blanket or a stuffed toy that makes us feel safe. We want spiritual life to be understandable, to reassure us, to make us feel better. My experience of spiritual life is not like that. The nice, polite platitudes I was taught as a child have been melted by the fire... Read more

Monastic Ownership

Last updated on: July 12, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

We live in a society where we are defined by what we own. The automobiles we drive, the computers we use, the food we eat tell us who we are. The clothes we wear tell other people about the teams, athletic and corporate, we support. Our property tells people, including ourselves, who we are. One of the most countercultural aspects of monastic life is ownership. For over 1,500 years Benedict’s Rule has described monastic private ownership as an “evil” practice. Benedictine monks... Read more

Humor as a Spiritual Practice

Last updated on: July 9, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

There are people who believe spiritual practices are serious business. They see them as spiritual disciplines, and are convinced spiritual life needs to be disciplined. Some people almost believe the best spiritual practices for us are nearly painful, filled with struggle. It is almost as if they they think we are not being serious enough if our practices are not painful sacrifices. I believe in the sacred power of joy and humor. Too often, we want to be so serious about spiritual life we... Read more

Monastic Life in the World

Last updated on: July 5, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

There are people who believe monks are running away, trying to escape from the real world. Some people see monks as trying to protect themselves with rules and vows, hiding from real life. Some people think monks are people who cannot handle the challenges of life as we know it. They think monks live a truncated, limited version of life. My experience with monks and monastic life has taught me to see things differently. Monastic life has introduced me to deeper, more... Read more

Celebrating Who We Are Becoming

Last updated on: July 2, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

Some people believe this weekend is about celebrating the past. Some of us will spend time this weekend remembering how our country began. We will pay tribute to men and women who sacrificed for the sake of independence. We will feel nostalgic for what we think were simpler, better times. We will be grateful for generations before us who made our lives possible. We will grill hotdogs and watch fireworks, rocking in our chairs. I believe much of that looking backward is... Read more

Monastic Recruiting

Last updated on: June 28, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

Our understanding of recruiting tends to be based in giving people something they want. We try to entice people into our organization or company. We want to give them a package of salary and benefits to persuade them to join us. We work to reward their potential contributions to our efforts. Some people receive bonuses above and beyond their regular salaries just for starting work. The monks I know have a different approach to recruiting. They want to attract people who will... Read more

Do Spiritual Practices Make Us Perfect?

Last updated on: June 25, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

I have been practicing for almost as long as I can remember. My parents believed practicing and repetition were the best ways to learn things. There was practicing multiplication tables and book reports for school. There was practicing my lines for programs and plays. When I was in the school band, I practiced. All with the understanding that practice helped us become less nervous, do a better job. After law school, I practiced law. Being introduced to contemplative practices drew me into new spiritual life.... Read more

Book Review: Craft Brewed Jesus

Last updated on: June 23, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

Gary asked me, “Do you know about Michael Camp? You might like his book.” This was the first time I had talked with Gary, and my introduction to Craft Brewed Jesus. Craft Brewed Jesus tells the story of Michael’s exploration of his faith and spiritual life. Michael’s discoveries along the way convinced him we need a new understanding of spirituality. The seeds were sown as Michael found connections between brewing beer and his spirituality. Insights into Jewish scriptures, monastic traditions, and brewing... Read more

Monastic Hospitality

Last updated on: June 21, 2016 at 4:40 am By Greg Richardson

In his Rule, Benedict sets a challenging standard for monastic hospitality. Chapter 53, on the reception of guests, specifies all guests are to be welcomed as Christ. We tend to think of hospitality as making ourselves look good. When we invite people to stay with us, we hope they feel impressively welcomed. We hope our homes will seem even more well organized than they usually are. We want to anticipate and avoid any unpleasantries. We want to give our visitors nice, relaxing stays. Monasteries were known for... Read more