Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Living the Rule rss

Stories and examples of how monastics and oblates live out the Rule in their daily lives.

Though darkness and light, through confusion and loss you are with me O Lord

I have always said that I ‘enjoy aging. By that I don’t’ mean it is fun or pleasant, yet there are inner changes that make all of the others aspects of getting older well worth it. I do believe that this life is about how we choose to deal with challenging circumstances. I don’t think… Read More ›

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The beauty of people

When talking about the beauty of people, it is of course something that is based on personal experience. I believe that when people come to a Monastery, or some other place to become more centered, or to get close to God….and as well as working through some particular problem, they come with an openness that… Read More ›

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A Muslim couple (between a rock and a hard place)

As a retreat/guest master here I get to meet some very interesting people. People come here who have no specific beliefs. We get Buddhist, Hindus, New Age and Christians of just about every denomination and atheist and agnostics… Not many Muslims come through here, or if they do, they may not indentify themselves as such…. Read More ›

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A healing dream long ago

For some people dreams are very important. I guess I am one of those people. Perhaps it is because I remember my dreams from my younger days; I am saying around 4 or 5. They were mostly nightmares and with hindsight I realized that they were often ‘Lucid’ dreams. By that I knew that I… Read More ›

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Observing a loving couple

Elias and I went to our PT appointment this morning. Elias had another doctor’s appointment later at 12:45; so we could not get back for lunch. We decided on a place to have lunch, won’t tell you its name, but it has great french-fries! As we sat down to eat, I noticed a woman in… Read More ›

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We have one life

To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.—Buddha When dealing with grief as we are this weekend, people come together who have become diligent. The temporal nature of ‘things’, of people, our health and yes, youth and… Read More ›

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Going over old times with another old timer

Dr. Manning our primary Doctor here in Conyers (and a very good doctor), after looking at some x-rays of my lower back, placed an order for me to have Physical Therapy (PT). So I went in for my first appointment yesterday. I have been there before, taking other monks in for their PT. It is… Read More ›

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Ever higher up and deeper in

“Today, during Mass, I saw the Lord Jesus in the midst of His sufferings, as though dying on the cross. He said to me, “My daughter, meditate frequently on the sufferings which I have undergone for your sake, and then nothing of what you suffer for Me will seem great to you. You please Me… Read More ›

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In this world, there is always a price to pay

“I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable.”—Anne Morrow Lindbergh Emily is one of the presenters for this weekends retreat. As we were talking over the… Read More ›

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God is revealed in his mercy

God is revealed in his mercy We understand I believe through experience, anger, punishment and fear of those who rule over us “For I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath” (Hos 11:9). That is an astounding statement. It says: God’s holiness, his Being… Read More ›

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