I know this will sound completely bizarre, but I can't help but feel slightly unworthy to be on one of the most beautiful campus grounds in Western Canada. My day consists of the glorious sound of silence and is carried forward by both the classroom work and the daily office.
I feel as though I am floating on some imaginary cloud...
After Anne and I finally managed to arrive in one piece (not that we doubted or anything)... we settled into our suite. Being completely honest, as soon as I met the other individuals who were taking part in the course/retreat, I think the phrase "slightly intimidated" was an understatement. There are three of us who are not ordained (granted, the other gentleman has more education in theology than a lot of priests I can think of) and there are only two of us whom find ourselves under the age of 45.
With no real structure or class taking place on the Tuesday upon which we arrived, we began our studies yesterday with the Desert Fathers and have continued them today with Evagrius and the Praktikos. WOW!!!!
We have read the Life of Antony, a young man who literally was converted to the Monastic life through the death of his parents and whose life and maturity are two things that an aspiring Christian could only aim to tread ever so slightly.
Along with Anne and the others, I strive to grow through the practice of "asectism" (or a word that is spelt completely differently that refers to athletic training in the spiritual practice and life), while growing and centering in morning, noon, evening and compline as well as a daily Eucharist. It is absolutely glorious and I dare say... one of the most educational and growing weeks I have experienced thus far in my short life.
Tomorrow we will begin to look at St. Augustine, then start into Benedict's Rule... each lunch hour, a book is read - similar to what would have happened in Benedict's time and we are encouraged to keep silence as best we can. (Granted, email or blogs would of course, be excepted).
Last night, I had the amazing priviledge to study and cantor with our teaching priest, Compline. I don't think I was able to calm the excitement down enough to sleep until the wee hours of the morning this morning... it was AWESOME!!!
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those at General Synod this same week - I don't envy you at all, but instead, hold you in the highest regard. May the Spirit be with you as you continue to decide on our journey in faith as a community united in Christ.
cheers!
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