During the last week of my stint with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War I decided to go to the Abbey of Gethsemani near Bardstown, Kentucky, for a week of reflection and seeking God's will. The abbey is maintained by the Trappists, one of the strictest orders within Roman Catholicism. It was a wonderful retreat that I will always remember.
At that time (the mid-sixties) each Trappist monk took a vow of silence, which means they hardly ever spoke at all. In fact, they had a 200-word sign language to help them with their rituals and chores. They would get up every morning at 4:00, have their matins, go to work in the fields or other workplaces, then have vespers, and go to bed. As retreatants, we followed their rigorous schedule throughout the day.
Trappists are strict vegetarians, they sleep on straw mattresses, and, as individuals, they own very little. One of the monks who was at the abbey while I was there was a famous author, Thomas Merton. He is one of my favorite writers, and I've read almost everything he has written, including his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain.
Thomas Merton was a contemplative, and so the silence and peacefulness at the abbey was perfect for him. I was very impressed with it myself. One of his greatest hopes was that the gift of contemplation would become accessible for all believers everywhere. He wrote, "There are so many Christians who do not appreciate the magnificent dignity of their vocation to sanctity, to the knowledge, love, and service of God. There are so many Christians who do not realize what possibilities God has placed in the life of Christian perfection--what possibilities for joy in the knowledge and love of Him. There are so many Christians who have practically no idea of the immense love of God for them, and of the power of that Love to do them good, to bring them happiness."
I'm sure he's right about that. The Bible admonishes us to gain serenity, to be still, and to hear God's voice speaking to us in moments of silence. "For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not" (Isaiah 30:15). That last line is a dinger--"...and ye would not"! Why would anyone not avail himself of this great resource?
Listen for God's voice as you meditate upon His Word. Let His presence rise within you as you contemplate His goodness, mercy, and power. Let His love flow from you as you surrender everything to Him.
Thank you, Thomas Merton, for teaching us about the importance of silence, solitude, and contemplation.
