FOLLOWING JESUS

In 2016 I had the great fortune of taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Every moment of that trip was extraordinary but one of the highlights was going out on the Sea of Galilee in a boat that was made to replicate the one that Peter and Andrew would have been fishing on. Even though there was a local man demonstrating for us how they threw the nets off the side of the boat it felt authentic, not at all like a Disney version. I sat on the front edge of the boat and dangled my legs towards the water imagining that I was on a honeymoon with my beloved – that is, Jesus. You see I had recently taken life vows as an Anglican nun which is essentially like marrying Jesus.

My answer to the invitation to follow Jesus had led me to a long black Benedictine habit, a life of daily prayers, and ministry with the incarcerated in the Los Angeles County jails. It was shocking to some who knew me and made total sense to others.

I want to tell you a bit about the history of monasticism as some Episcopalians don’t seem to know much about monks and nuns. And today is officially Religious Life Sunday, so let’s look at how we got here.

It starts with Saint Anthony. He was born in the third century to a wealthy family. His parents died when he was around the age of twenty, and he was left with a younger sister to care for and the responsibility of a large family property. But one day Anthony heard the scripture where Jesus tells the rich young man to sell all he owned and give it to the poor.  So, Anthony took this seriously and sold all his family’s property and gave the money to the poor, keeping in reserve a small sum for the care of his sister. Anthony then left for the desert to live alone in a cave where he ate only bread and drank only water. For twenty years, Anthony lived in total isolation while he did spiritual battle with demons.  They say that when he finally reappeared, he was the same physically as he had been when he entered. And that his soul was now free from blemish and he had a pure heart. Word went out that God had given Anthony grace in speaking, so Anthony consoled many people who were sorrowful or grieving. He encouraged everyone to put the love of Christ before all that is in the world.

When an emperor wrote him letters, Anthony told the desert mothers and fathers who had come to learn from him not to be impressed. “These are only men,” he told them. “Rather wonder that God wrote the Law for human beings and has spoken to us through his Son.” Humility is an expression of sincere Christian spirituality, and it can be seen in many men and women who have consecrated their lives to God and to God’s service. They do not seek recognition or power, rather to live with their eyes firmly on God.

Saint Athanasius wrote the story of St Anthony which became wildly popular and inspired thousands of Christian men and women to leave the comforts of city life and seek God in the desert. They became apprentices to these hermits living in caves and eventually developed a more communal version of this spiritual life. This movement was the beginning of monasticism.

Over many centuries hundreds, if not thousands, of monasteries were built throughout Europe, Greece, and Upper Egypt. Some monasteries were huge and held more than fifteen hundred monks. They became extremely popular among young Christians as they offered safety and an education. Monks and nuns lived then, and still do today, in cells, very simply, with few belongings. Monastics then and today take lifelong vows of celibacy and poverty. These vows allow the monastic to focus more completely on God.

Today this life continues. Currently in the Episcopal Church there are 12 women’s communities, 6 men’s, and one mixed, which is ours, Community of Divine Love. Some of the orders are more contemplative and some are more active. Ours is a balance of both.

I could never have imagined this life for myself.  Now I know that turning my life over to God has opened the doors to great freedom and the peace that passes all understanding. These last 18 years have been the most fulfilling and inspiring chapter of my life.  

All Christians seek to follow Jesus and to love God. Whether or not we live in a convent or monastery all Christians are called to put God first.  All of us can heed the words Jesus says in today’s gospel, “Repent for the kingdom of God is near.” Repent is a poor translation for a Greek word that really means to become more spiritually awakened.

Sometimes the kingdom of God does not feel near but feels further and further away. It does not feel that repentance is in the air or the ethos of our time. Our country and the world seems more turbulent and troubled every day. There seems to be conflict all around us. What are we to make of such a time as this?

Well, there was plenty of troubles when Jesus walked the earth. Jesus did not see peace in his short life. He lived under the occupation of the Roman Empire and was subjected to the domination system of the Jewish hierarchy.

Really his teaching gets down to 2 things which are relevant at any time. Love God, which means to trust and not be afraid, and love your neighbor as yourself.

Let’s all be like the monastics and seek the kingdom by following Christ and caring for the least.

Wherever you are on your journey of faith, whatever you might be going through, by saying yes to following Christ you will never be alone. He promises to be with us always until the end of time.

Amen

Sister Greta