The Center for contemplative practice
A Lay Cistercian Looks at Spiritual Reality
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
The “Me” generation can’t seem to find the prespective that says, “Thy Will Be Done.” Instead, they are “What’s in it for me?” Sad.
In my Lectio Divina yesterday, (Phil 2:5), I asked myself the question, “What’s in it for me?” I know, Lectio takes you to places you never thought you would be. In this case, it is an appropriate question because I know the answer. I say the word, “know” because it is not something you reach, then slough off and go on, but rather it is a process of attainment which you never completely reach in this lifetime.
As a Lay Cistercian, it is an easy answer. Conversion of life. My purpose in life is: “Have in you the mind of Christ Jesus.” You never reach it with all your heart, your mind, and your strength because perfection in this life is beyond your reach. In this life, you need Christ as your companion to help with perspective and energy for the journey.
THE IMPORTANT OF CONVERSION OF LIFE
As a Lay Cistercian, one of the learning moments I have had is the fact
of on-going improvement in my moving from self to God. I am the same person with a caveat, I am beginning to purposefully convert my life to be more Christ and less me. I just keep doing it each day without worrying if I grow or not.
I can’t see myself trying to convert my life to be more like Christ by practicing
Cistercian spiritual techniques, trying to conform to Chapter 4 of the
Rule of St. Benedict, going out of my way to drive five hours (one
way) to attend the Gathering Day at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in
Conyers, Georgia (near Atlanta), without growing better or moving
closer to Christ. I have moved closer to Christ. How do you know?
- My spiritual attention span is much expanded. I don’t get into the game of saying, How much?
- I look forward to being before the Blessed Sacrament in the hopes of making contemplation.
- I have an increase of tempations not to attend Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, and not to write down this blog and my reflections in books.
- If you always are what you always were, then you can’t be what you should become.
All the techniques of Cistercian spirituality, all the ancient and proven practices for moving from self to God, even the Tools for Good Words, Chapter 4 of St.
Benedict’s Rule, are not ends by themselves. It makes no sense to put
yourself out, sometimes at great discomfort and inconvenience, without
producing some form of change. Sometimes this change is minimal,
sometimes it is stunning. The mindset is: have in you the mind of
Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2:5)
That in all things, may God be glorified. –St. Benedict
The Center for contemplative practice 