Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: work

You have to work again in order to live

It was said about John the Little that one day he said to his older brother: I want to be free from care and not to work but to worship God without interruption. And he took his robe off, and went into the desert. After staying there one week, he returned to his brother. And when he knocked at… Read More ›

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The Dignity of Yard Work

Idleness is the soul’s enemy, so therefore at determined times the brothers (and sisters) out to be occupied with manual labor, and again at determined hours in Lectio Divina. (Rule of St. Benedict: 48:1) For the past couple of days, I’ve developed a pretty strong attachment to my leaf blower, a precious gift I received… Read More ›

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Saints looking up into the face of God

Over the past ten months, something has been growing near the Lourdes Grotto. Standing in the Grotto, and peeking around a couple of bushes, you will find Br. Andrew’s Grotto Garden. On the left side of the Grotto is an old, small building that looks like a cottage. Beside that there is something that had… Read More ›

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An existence that is meaningless and futile

In our society, a society of business rooted in Puritanism, based on a pseudo-ethic of industriousness and thrift to be rewarded by com­fort, pleasure, and a good bank account, the myth of work is thought to justify an existence that is essentially meaningless and futile. There is, then, a great deal of busyness as people… Read More ›

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Holy and Religious Works

When the holy Paphnutius was already living the angelic life he once prayed God to show him if there were any other holy people he could be compared with. An angel appeared and told him that there was a musician (symphoniacus) like him in a certain village, who made a living by practicing his art…. Read More ›

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The hard work of the spiritual life

Many people have romantic or idealistic notions about monastic life that are untrue. The image of the monk as a workman is a reminder that monastic life is not an idyllic exis­tence but rather something ordinary, obscure, and laborious. The same is true of the spiritual life in general. By taking the Gospel seriously, we… Read More ›

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You are called to be a worker

Saint Benedict is saying “. . ., you are engaging in the spiritual art, not to receive something, but to give whatever you have. This endeavor will provide you with the opportunity to use your highest gifts in the service of something larger than yourself. You are called to be a worker, to give of… Read More ›

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Attain Perfection in Your Profession

Therefore it is beneficial and proper for each person, in accordance with the orientation that he has chosen and the grace that he has received, to strive most zealously and diligently to attain to perfection in the work that be has undertaken. He may praise and admire the virtues of others, but he should never… Read More ›

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Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they… Read More ›

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Going On A Mission Team

Chapter 4 of the Rule of St. Benedict admonishes us to “First of all love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-39, Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27)  Later in ch4; verses 10-19, Renounce yourself in order to follow Christ; Discipline your… Read More ›

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