In my last post, Henri Nouwen, the notable author—39 books, hundreds of articles—and theologian had found his way to the Abbey of the Genesee as a temporary monk. In addition to the rhythm of the abbey's days and hours, he found spiritual direction.

Much of the diary recounts Nouwen's conversations with the monks and particularly the monastery's abbot, John Eudes, who became "a very compassionate spiritual guide."

At one point the two spoke about finding God's mystery in community. "When we indeed participate in the life of God we will always discover more of God's mystery in each other," Nouwen wrote. Thus, he reports Eudes saying that heaven is a process of discovering God in each other, and that "Christian life on earth is simply the beginning of this heavenly existence." [29-30]

In another session, Eudes counters Nouwen's longstanding desire to be a be a "star," to be different, special, a person that would be noticed and talked about. Self-defined success flowed from individual distinction. But the monastic experience is not about difference as much as it is about sameness: the food, the dress, the hours celebrated each day. Out of that sameness flows a community of support. [65-66]

Later, Eudes said that his conferences with monks flowed from his meditations. "They were like sharing with others his own prayer." [77]

In these, and scores of other interactions between the Nouwen and Eudes, I discovered the necessary connection between meditation as an individual act—just one human opening to the Holy—and a communal one.

Everyone needs a teacher.
Everyone needs a wise counselor.
Everyone needs a friend to share their own prayer.
Everyone needs a community to help on the God journey and relieve us from the quest for ego driven stardom.

It is important that we build congregations that facilitate each of these needs. Congregations aren't monasteries. Congregants aren't monks. But congregations can be communities and can be intentional about their formation.

Photo: Hannah Busing via Unsplash

Join us on Friday morning at 8 Pacific time for silent Centering Prayer. If you need the internet URL, email me at charlestaylorkerchner@gmail.com