Pachomius

Today the Episcopal Church remembers Pachomius of Tabenissi, the founder of cenobitic monasticism.  "Cenobitic" means living together, rather than as a collection of hermits.  This was a new development when Pachomius began.  His monastery was the target of bishops and priests who feared the independence of the monks from the church hierarchy, and Pachomius returned their suspicion.  The official biography offers a happy ending with "mutual respect" between monastics and the church hierarchy; but in the early Constantinian age, when others forms of diversity were being swallowed up, I'm suspicious that it was more a takeover and compromise than a real rapprochement.  Whatever.  I could say a lot about this, but it's not my focus today.

What matters today is that this form of life continues, in a variety of shapes and sizes, and gives life to many of us.  Elizabeth and I share this life, as part of a larger community that bridges monastic and non-monastic, lay and ordained.  We are not just a couple of women sharing a home, or a life; we are a monastic community, whether we are two or two hundred.  Our lives are centered on prayer, with ministry flowing from that.  Our Rule and Covenant are part of the long line of guides for living this life.  Reading about Pachomius today makes me grateful that this seed keeps sprouting, in hearts and minds and occasionally in whole lives.

I don't write to you as to a spectator in this enterprise.  There is no official checklist to meet before becoming a "cenobitic monastic community."  If you are hungry for that shared life of prayer, hungry enough to change your life, look around.  Perhaps you're married to someone who shares your passion for God.  What would happen if you committed to one another to live according to a rule of life, a rule you created together?  Or perhaps you live alone, and you can't imagine leaving your work or other commitments to find others who share your dream.  What if you asked God to help you imagine?  What if you prayed for a door to open?

Elizabeth and I did not join an existing community.  We made it up, out of threads given us by generations of other seekers.  The Companions are new, and old.  You have the same potential in you.  If you want it, ask.

Yesterday's office reading of the Gospel:  Don't worry about what you are to eat or drink or wear.  Strive for the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and you'll be taken care of.

Do you believe it?  Are you willing to bet on it?  Oh, I hope so!