One of the joys of going on retreat at a monastery, among the other benefits mentioned in the previous post, is being able to be part of the life of the community.

Mucknell Abbey is a mixed community and its thirteen members meet for prayer six times a day. Admittedly, I never get up for the 6am and 7am gatherings but the others are beautiful times of stillness, worship and reflection. Gathering for lunch and dinner are also particular joys. Eating in silence and being served by the community members is very special.

At such times, in line with Benedictine practice, one of the sisters or brothers reads from a book. Being read to is often something we don’t experience as an adult so that in itself is special. Always non-fiction but not always spiritual or religious, the readings are often thought-provoking and occasionally, very funny and a ripple of laughter finds its way around the silently gathered table.

During the last visit, we heard readings from Come and See by Brendan Freeman, a Cistercian monk. (The Cistercian order has it basis on the Rule of St Benedict, like Mucknell Abbey.) Hearing his words over the course of mealtimes struck right to the heart of my being and my spiritual aspirations. So much so, that when I got home I bought the book.

I am writing this post the day before our final service at Marldon Church – and you are reading it after that service has finished. I am sure that by the time you read it, Jane and I will have experienced a somewhat emotional couple of hours!

Brendan Freeman’s words are appropriate for this time of our moving on. May they be for you also:

‘Life is a call to move out of ourselves… The world we wanted to create is slowly taken from us, and something unfamiliar and new replaces it. It slowly dawned on us that God is calling us and leading us on, no matter how dark it seems or how unfamiliar the road. The new self, made in the image of Christ is replacing the old self. We leave ourselves to find ourselves again.’

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