Before anyone hollers, looking at the photo below, “Why do those monks look so glum?”, keep in mind that, one, they didn’t know they were being photographed, (but have since signed off with approval to post the photo), and two, they were listening attentively to the proclamation of the Sunday Gospel at Mass when the picture was taken.
But doesn’t the word “Gospel” mean “Good News,” so why the somber countenances?
Hearing good “spiritual” news, such as the Gospel, implies interior delight much more than exterior exuberance. That stance better characterizes our Brothers Andre and Leander inside and outside of church.
Saint Benedict tells his monks that during Lent they should “await Holy Easter with the joy of spiritual longing” (Rule of Saint Benedict, chapter 49).
May the joy of spiritual longing shine in all our hearts this Lenten Spring, 2021.
Abbot Christian and the monks
