“Sharing the Mind of St. Benedict: The Monastery, The Oblate, and the World”

December 8-10, 2006 Oblate Retreat

Father Archabbot Justin OSB – Retreatmaster

Conference One

The Oblate is the Bridge between the Monastery and the World

Father Archabbot Justin opened his first conference focusing on the role of the Oblate as “bridge” – a link between the monastery and the world.  In order to be this “bridge” we must know and study the mind of St. Benedict.  As Oblates we allow this “mind” to shape our lives and lead us and others who share this same mind to be its witnesses.

For this to happen our faith must mature so that we can be open to the lessons that life teaches us.  As Oblates this becomes possible through the Rule and being faithful to our Oblate program and promises.  It is our faithfulness that will open our mind, our heart and our soul to the ways of St. Benedict. 

Our life must be one of conversion, of turning from the ways of the world to follow Christ.  In our willingness to do this we will begin to see and respond to the world based on the wisdom we find in St. Benedict.

Despite our human differences we continually reach out to other Oblates who can help us bring the mind of St. Benedict to the events and challenges of our daily lives.  In this community we find the support that we need to live lives that reflect an attitude very different from the world’s, an attitude that has been shaped by the words of St. Benedict.  It is this attitude that forms our “bridge”, allowing us to be witnesses to the mind of St. Benedict in the world.

Discussion Questions

1.    As you think about the phrase “the mind of St. Benedict” what thoughts come to mind?  How do you apply these ideas to your life?

2.    What are some examples from the Rule that help you understand “the mind of St. Benedict?

3.    How do we continue to grow in our Oblate vocation once our novitiate formation is completed?

4.    How does the Rule challenge you to live your Oblate vocation?

5.    In what specific ways can you be a “bridge” between the monastery and the world?  Is this a reasonable expectation of you? How do you feel that you are this bridge?