Western Civilization

Monastic Life

When it comes to life in monasteries and monks, two words: sacrifice and reward are related. Christian life in its beginnings reveals how people became his life in a race to reach the peace of God. Monastic life involves sacrifice, isolation, loneliness many times but always brings something good, the peace of God.

I found that in the reading, the monastic life was involved in pain. It was a kind of preparation for the great gift. The three texts somehow talk about how the monks had to do sacrifices, had to suffer, been alone to achieve the peace that God had for them as quoted St. Jerome, “ I remember crying our till day became one with night, nor ceasing to beat my breast until my lord would childe and tranquility return” (Sources, 172). Highlighting the goal of every monk who lived the monastic life, find a life filled with the peace of God, to rest all the suffering they lived.

On the other hand, in the third text we find St. Benedictine rule to show steps to achieve the goal of a purer life such as: concerning reverence for prayer, concerning the reception of guests, concerning the daily manual labor, concerning humility, and etc. Taking as an example concerning humility, the monks make the dream of Jacob as a sign of humility and should grow in their lives. Although in my opinion, teaching is not just letting the dream about humility, but each step towards the expected reward is a hope that does the will of the strongest monks during the process of spiritual growth. They know there is a place ready for them. Whether heaven where you find peace, or hell where they will go if they do not meet their goal. The thought of this is quoted through the line, “And continually consider in his heart that eternal life which is prepared for those who fear God, just as the mockers of God fall into hell” (Sources, 177).

Monastic life inspired my life in a way of determination for the lifestyle that monks had and also saddened by the loneliness that sometimes lived and suffering experienced their bodies and souls. They had satisfaction with the reward in the end they received. Finally, according to the texts, the monastic life is not an easy life. A lot of dedication, strength, and security are needed. It is also important because it teaches others that Christians should live a full life with God and how important it is to have a close relationship with Him. Although sometimes this is not easy, it still has a very good reward.

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