ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE SAINT(s)

In this historical weekend of unity demonstrated with the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to England, and specifically at Westminster Abbey with Archbishop Rowan Williams, the spiritual leader of the Anglican communion, marked for us the deep spiritual roots which we share in love of Christ.

Archbishop Williams, in his address to the Pope and all who were in attendance, highlighted St. Benedict in the following exert:

"St Gregory was the first to spell out...the magnitude of the gift given to Christ's Church through the life of St. Benedict...who, through a relatively brief Rule of Life, opened up for the whole civilization of Europe since the sixth century the possibility of living in joy and mutual service, in simplicity and self-denial, in a balanced pattern of labor and prayer in which every moment spoke of human dignity fully realized in surrender to a loving God. The Benedictine life proved a sure foundation not only for generations of monks and nuns, but for an entire culture in which productive work and contemplative silence and receptivity-human dignity and human freedom-were both honored."

The Archbishop has called out for us as Christians to stand upon the shoulders of the Saint; to participate in a Way of life that is in fact life giving. To understand the vision of St. Benedict for humanity in his Rule of Life; which later became known as the Rule of St. Benedict. To allow for our lives to become formed in The Way of love; as put forth in understanding and practicing by way of the rule as a trellis.

For those of us who are seeking to live a life as Oblates, we have been called into this historic weekend, to recognize the significance of living in this Way of life; it's magnitude upon both our lives and the Church. Our lives and our practices form who we are; who we become. I am thankful that two spiritual giants who live in our time - share the love of St. Benedict - and the Saint's love of Christ and humanity. St. Benedict lived his life in The Way that provided space for imagination to impact an entire world. He did this in his community; let us do our humble part in ours. We pray our lives as Oblates can share with others this vision the monks have given us as a gift to share with the world we live in.

We give thanks today for the Beatification of John Henry Newman, prominent in the Anglican and Roman Catholic world as a spiritual leader of his time. His life having provided a living bridge from which to stand upon; above turbulent waters of differences. Today we are able to stand upon the shoulders of these two spiritual leaders and saints; able to stand and see The Sacrament of Unity.

As this day is marked in history - I personally give thanks for your life son - happy birthday Z.

pax