Ecumenical dialogue at Holy Wisdom Monastery

Is it possible to commit to more than one faith tradition? This October, nearly 40 people gathered at Holy wisdom Monastery to explore a cross-cultural phenomenon – multiple religious belonging.

Imagine a religious supermarket. Spiritual traditions of all shapes and sizes line the shelves. Will you choose just one to meet your spiritual needs? Or will you pick and choose among many to find nourishment?

Listen to Catherine Cornille, associate professor of comparative theology at Boston College, explore these questions and describe the different paths that can lead to spiritual wholeness.

Click here to download this presentation in iTunes.

Hospitality for all

Hospitality is rooted in the belief that Christ is present in the other. Benedict says Christ is especially present in the abbot or prioress, the guest and the sick. Hospitality at Holy Wisdom Monastery is manifest in inviting guests to prayer and the Eucharist and having Liturgy of the Hours prayer books that are easy for a newcomer to follow. We also practice hospitality by inviting guests to meals and to retreats. Our practice of inviting co-workers, volunteers, oblates, Sunday Assembly, Community of Benedict and others to participate with us in our work and prayer comes out of Benedictine hospitality.

Perspective on Spiritual Guidance

Spiritual guidance offers a faith-centered and confidential conversation in which you can become more attuned to God’s presence. You might come to spiritual guidance to reflect deeply on your experiences or to integrate spirituality into your daily life.

Distinct from counseling, the goal of spiritual guidance is not to solve life’s problems, but rather to increase awareness of how God is already active in an individual’s life. Spiritual guides are trained and experienced in helping others with their spiritual lives.

Before engaging a spiritual guide, it is helpful to reflect on your expectations for the experience:
• Is it essential that your guide have a background in a particular faith tradition?
• Would you feel more comfortable talking with a male or a female?
• How often can you meet with your spiritual guide?

In spiritual guidance sessions, it is essential to trust your instincts and to remain open. Your guide may introduce new methods of prayer or forms of expression, such as journaling or drawing. They will ask you to speak honestly and they will be responsive to your unique spiritual path. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, guidance can help you notice and respond to God’s presence, deepening your connection to the sacred.

Community is key

Community is essential to Benedictine life. At Holy Wisdom Monastery, we put an emphasis on creating community in everything we do. Creating community informs the way we share Benedictine spirituality with others. It leads how we have structured our oblate community and the way we have invited members of Sunday Assembly to take responsibility for its life together. In community, we connect, listen and obey one another, we consider what is better for the other rather than better for oneself, “supporting with the greatest patience one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another.” (RB 72:5-6)

A Message That Resonates

The Benedictine tradition lives through the centuries as testament to the strength and applicability of its message. The Rule of Benedict highlights the importance of a balance of daily work and prayer. The purpose of work is to provide service to others and an opportunity for personal development. A commitment to a balanced life is the backbone of Benedict’s document and this message still resonates among those who seek to incorporate spirituality into their everyday lives.

Relevance for the Rule

Today, The Rule of Benedict continues to serve as a guide for those who seek God individually and in community. Short in length, written in clear language and translated in many languages, it combines practical rules for living with pages of sublime spirituality. Suggesting ways to seek and celebrate God in daily life, the Rule fosters listening, hospitality, humility, embracing change, respect for people, learning, prayer and work. It envisions a community that works to support each person’s developing relationship with God and others.

Rejoice in the Spirit of Benedict

On July 11, Benedictines across the world celebrated the Feast of Saint Benedict. The Rule of Benedict written centuries ago continues to attract people seeking spiritual formation. The spirit of Benedict and his message live today through our oblate community, Sunday Assembly members, retreatants and others who carry it in their hearts.

Perspective on Active Listening

How we pray the psalms reflects an intense commitment to listening with the ear of our heart and discovering connections to others through the recitation of scripture. We pray slowly at a steady pace, letting the words sink in. The pace and the practice encourage all to listen to others, follow their lead and pray the psalms in unison.

Perspective on Daily Prayer

Liturgy of the hours is central to Benedictine life. This daily prayer brings the community together at morning, midday and evening to praise God in song, psalms and readings. The silence after the psalms and readings allows time for listening and meditating on the word of God. These forms of prayer draw from the deepest wells of monastic spirituality, yet they are simple and accessible. In the spirit of Benedictine hospitality, the prayer of the monastery community is open to anyone.

Striving to Live Faithfully: A Muslim-Christian Conversation

Please share in our community by listening to the May Ecumenical Dialogue hosted at Holy Wisdom Monastery. The conversation brings together the Rev. Jay Rock and Imam Ronald Shaheed for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities Christians and Muslims face in relation to each other and to the world we all share.

Ronald Shaheed is the Imam of Masjid Sultan Muhammad and director of education at the Clara Mohammed School in Milwaukee. He works closely with Imam W.D. Mohammed in fostering interfaith dialogue and engagement in the United States and internationally. He is a knowledgeable and personable interpreter of Islam.

Jay T. Rock is coordinator of interfaith relations for the Presbyterian Church. He served as director for interfaith relations at the National Council of Churches of Christ from 1987 to 2003. With an academic background in the history of religious, he has also served as a congregational pastor and community organizer.