What Does All of This Give You?

By Fr. Bjorn, OES
Our main monastic house isn't much to look at. We rent it from a kind old farmer who owns roughly 20 acres of farmland that the simple house that we have dedicated as our monastery sits on.

There are some who may turn their noses us at the fact that our space is rented, or that it doesn't look like what many people imagine a monastery to be. This is of little concern to us; the space fits our needs, the neighbors (our landlord, his wife, their son, daughter-in-law and their 3 grandchildren) are kind and have adopted us into their family and the atmosphere here allows us a great deal of environmental silence, as well as the ability to behold the beauty of nature. 

In July of this year (2015), I was outside tending to the chores of the day. The landlord's son came by to chat with me, which was a pleasant surprise (he had been more than a little guarded toward us in the months previous; he had confessed upon our first meeting that he was an Atheist, at which time I explained to him that preaching at, or trying to convert people was not our way). I continued tending to my chores and as we talked about various subjects, he raised the following question to me:

"What do you get out of all of this monk stuff?"

I thought for a few moments, then the words that changed the relationship between the farmer's son and Br. Gabriel and myself came out with such ease that I often wonder if I had spoken inappropriately or without consideration.

"Well, I say fuck a lot less."

The son stood there in disbelief for a few moments, and then erupted in a deep and authentic kind of laughter. I explained that I had sought out many places in an effort to try and 'fit in' with more than a few monastic communities (evidence of which can be seen above), and that through some heartache, some joy, and often a lot of doubt and confusion, I arrived at the expression of monastic life that I practice with this community.

I also explained that the practices themselves are not necessarily what are important, rather the intent behind them. I told him of the communities I had been with in years past, and how their customs have influenced they way I consecrate each day to that most holy Divine Presence.

Then, just when it seemed that he was growing tired of my ramblings, I explained that all of the things that make up our shared monastic life here provide a deep joy and a solid foundation for (mostly) keeping me centered when the ups and downs of life happen.

Tom (the farmer's son) has since become a sincere friend to us and our animals. His guardedness has fallen away and in its place, generosity and frankness have begun to thrive. These, like our creaky, old monastic house may not seem like much to the untrained eye, however they joy and peace that they bring to us is a great gift, as well as a bright and joyful accent to the life we live here at Stewards of Peace Monastery.