Thursday, July 20, 2006
A Day at a Monastery

Hello, everyone!

I'm currently writing from the library of a Benedectine Monastery that I am visiting. It is quite an experience to be here and share in praying the Liturgy of the Hours. It's so wonderful to hear the Divine Office chanted each day. I've also finally saw the Liturgy of the Hour's book, "Christian Prayer," on sale here, so I had to purchase it. I've been looking for an affordable copy for weeks.

It is wonderful praying and glorifying God with such holy men and women (I visited a nearby Benedictine convent too). But, experiencing the Order of St. Benedict has helped me learn something important - I can't change non-Catholics. This blog has been my creation to spread the Gospel of Truth to every one that reads it - to the entire world. I have poured week's worth of time into this project. However, people still come here claiming there is no flaw in salvation by the Protestant view of "Faith-alone" or "Scripture alone". They deny the Real Presence and support such evil as abortion. But, here I see that prayer must be the center of daily life. It was so amazing seeing Mass concelebrated by 10 priests! I realize that my life must not center on this blog or on converting others. It must center on prayer.

I, of course, will continue to blog, but I plan on blogging much less frequently. I plan to pray the Divine Office and study history and theology more. I was put on this earth to love and know God and to be with Him for all eternity. I have to focus 100% on prayer. After all, I cannot change cold hearts no matter how hard I try - only Jesus Christ, my beautiful Lord and God, can do that. So, I pray that all of you are well. And I pray especially for all non-Catholics that they might come into the flock of Christ and experience the great peace I felt in this Basilica and chapel. I plan on going the Seminary and living here for four years.

Glory to Our God! I'll write more when I return from my vacation.

11 comment(s):

del_button July 20, 2006 at 4:36 PM
Unknown said...

I also have the one volume Christian Prayer, and I love it. If you need a good step-by-step guide, I have a good pdf I can send ya.

del_button July 20, 2006 at 5:05 PM
Matthew said...

Yes, please send me the link.

Thanks

del_button July 20, 2006 at 5:25 PM
Anonymous said...

MB,

"Christian Prayer" is the book I use also.

I'm so glad you decided to spend some time at the Benedictine Monastery. I can see it's exactly what you needed. Realizing you can't change non-Catholics and new-agers should remove a lot of needless pressure you have been subjecting yourself to. Frequent, deep prayer will accomplish more than most people know.

I've been struggling on a post I'm writing about some of these very things and by golly, MB, you have opened up a new line of thought for me.

His Blessings to you.

del_button July 20, 2006 at 6:28 PM
Unknown said...

Chad,
Please send me that link too.
Thanks.

del_button July 20, 2006 at 8:06 PM
Unknown said...

I just got one from a friend who is considering entering the seminary. It's one more book I look forward to reading and using (hopefully) on a daily basis!

del_button July 21, 2006 at 12:03 AM
Saint Peter's helpers said...

Praying your stay there will bear much fruit!

del_button July 21, 2006 at 12:42 AM
Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see your enjoying your time at the Benedictine Monestary. God Bless you in all that you do. I wanted to say that your time evangelizing on your blog has impact that you may not realize. Of course only the Holy Spirit can lead souls to the Catholic Church and to Christ but you have laid the seeds. Seeds that someday hopefully will grow and sprout into a field of flowers. One of the best ways to evangelize and to bring people to Christ is to show Christ in yourself. When someone can look at you and see Jesus...I see that resemblance in you! God Bless!

del_button July 21, 2006 at 9:00 AM
Anonymous said...

I agree with mzenner. You have done wonders for people and touched more lives than you will realize. I entered the Catholic church this year and I go to your website first thing every day to feed my soul. You are right that prayer should be the center of our lives but we should expect nothing in return. After all, prayer is our will and worship is His will. I'm slowing learning that we are not meant to see all the fruits of our effort, it goes with faith, faith that in doing God's will, we will help others and convert hearts. I pray that the Holy Spirit will be strengthen in you and guide you to your vocation. Many blessings!
Chris T.

del_button July 21, 2006 at 11:17 AM
Unknown said...

Amen! Prayer is so essential!
Hope your vacation continues to go well!

del_button July 21, 2006 at 5:17 PM
tlwest said...

Wonderful! Your vacation sounds wonderful! You are right -- only God changes hearts. I am swelled up with God's love right now... My son who is 18 has asked his work to have Sunday off to go to mass with me!!! I may be going to mass twice on Sunday because I prefer the more traditional service but I know that there are younger adults at the Sunday evening service as it is more contemporary with the music... God is wonderful! Please pray for me and my family as I will for you!

del_button July 22, 2006 at 12:02 AM
Audrey Yu said...

Am praying for you that God may reveal more of Himself to you during your stay there. ;)

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