How do you feel about monasticism? ?

Question

As a Benedictine monk of the Roman Catholic Church I often get alot of questions such as: Why are you doing this? What made you become one? etc.

How do you feel about monasticism as practiced in the Roman Catholic, Orthodox and indeed some Protestant faiths?

Regards,

Br. Josemaria Rojas, OSB

Answer 1

a tradition of man.  

Answer 2

you're allowed to play on the internet?

assuming you really are a monk (i have a hard time imagining monks to be frittering away time on something as frivolous as Yahoo Answers), i can't imagine why any deity would want you to not have a "normal" life even while showing some sort of respect / obedience / whatever to that deity ... plenty of other religious people including theologians have spouses and such and still claim to be saved, et al

Answer 3

I've visited several monasteries over the years.

It is very much misunderstood in our society (as it has been elsewhere in the past, too) but that is not an argument against it, it is an argument in favor of better education of people outside monasteries.

It obviously requires extraordinary dedication and commitment. It is clearly not for everyone nor should it be.  Although it is susceptible to abuses and misuses, I think it is an institution that really needs to be preserved and continued. At its best, it does set an example of what is possible to those who want to go "all the way" in their spiritual commitment. (Not that you can't be totally committed and live a householder's life, either.)

The monastic tradition has produced some great works -- the Philokalia, the works of Merton, etc.  Not to mention Trappist marmalade.

I think one tradition we have lost in the West is that of the wandering mendicant, however. This was sort of like a monk but without a monastery around him. It really required extreme courage and faith, since one had no support around one.

Answer 4

I see nothing wrong with it if that is your choice. However, Jesus never called us into such, and for good reason.

Jesus told us to be a light to the world and to not hide it under a bushel--that we are not to live such a life of solitude but rather be a witness to the world.

The point of going into the world was to preach the gospel and let our light so shine before men. When they see the good works done, they would glorify God. To segregate yourself is to focus within, not without. A light in an empty cave will do no one any good.

Romans 10:14

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Answer 5

It's not hereditary.

Answer 6

Well, I admit to considering the monastic life early in my youth.  I was influenced in that by the seeming piety of the Catholic priests I was acquainted with during my parochial days.  In some ways today as an adult I find it interesting, although I could not, for Biblical reasons, recommend celibacy, certain ascetic practices and spiritual exercises that have more in common with gnosticism than primitive Christianity.  I think it is commendable that you have made this lifelong commitment according to your faith, and I won't knock that at all.  I just pray that your devotion and sincerity will lead you to an even closer walk with God and a divine encounter no less propitious and enlightening than that of the great former monk and German reformer, Martin Luther.  God bless you richly.  

Answer 7

People make all kinds of life choices that I don't understand.

I just figure they have their reasons...