A lot goes on in the world, but little changes in a monastery. The life is regular and is set by defined intervals of prayer, work, and study. We are monastics: our lives are dedicated to praying in the heart of history. So while we are impacted by the changing events in our world, community, and personal lives, we return to the constant beat of God’s love pulsating through the universe. It is our mission to keep this hope- this faith – this love – alive and active in our daily routine.
Jesus tells us,“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Mother Teresa teaches us, “Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” Christ’s love is transformational and is poured into the hearts of His disciples. Only through this meeting of hearts do we know with certainty that we are loved undeservedly. This perspective changes every moment and every encounter – it is how we experience God in time.
It’s autumn at the Redwoods and again we say goodbye to the fertile season summer. The gardeners in our community are busy harvesting late tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, flowers, and herbs before the frost comes. We regret that our pumpkins didn’t quite make it this year. Results were a little different this year but not the care shown.
Thanks to all the interns and guests who contributed the work of their hands and the prayers of their hearts to our monastery. Your work transformed the everyday into the mystical.
