Monasticism

Many of you know that for that past few years I have had a keen interest in monastic life. At one point in time I even wrestled with the thought that I might be called to live a monastic life as a part of a Trappist community in Kentucky. The main attractions of monasticism have been the disciplined life of spiritual growth, the Liturgy of the Hours, the community life of brothers doing life together, the central place of the Eucharist, and the ideals of living a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. Though I firmly believe that God has called me to marriage (which I am very excited for) I still feel that there is great benefit to many aspects of monastic life, particularly having a Rule of Life that governs us to lead us to greater spiritual depths and simplicity, hospitality and the pursuit of good. I have been exploring a couple of different lay monastic communities that bind together men and women, married and single, ordained and lay under a common rule of life and with the intent of building each other up in the faith using a monastic model adapted for those who live a part from each other. I am prayerfully considering entrance into such a community and ask for your prayers as well as I do not intend to enter into such a decision lightly. One of the communities happens to be affiliated with my sending organization, the Anglican Mission in America and my bishop is the episcopal visitor for it, the Company of Jesus, a Benidictine/Franciscan community of believers. I will post further as the journey continues.

Grace & Peace,

Micah