Becoming a Christian monk

[Dark_Warrior]

Ok, this is something I’d only consider were I not married. But today, talking to my protestant friend, I mentioned it, and he said that that would be cool, but we are not called to do things as such, but to stay within the world and preach the gospel. Lol, then you can turn it around and say that we are called AWAY from the world, and not to be a part of it, as the Amish take it.

So, what are good quotes for taking such vows as becoming Christian monks? What can I say in response to him?

 

[VociMike]

Don’t know about any quotes, but I know monasteries draw a large number of visitors, each of whom receives a “dose” of gospel by witnessing the monks in prayer and in action. On top of that, the monks are constantly preaching the gospel to each other, are they not? It’s not as if preaching the gospel to somebody is only supposed to be a one-time event.

 

[JPUSC]

“Out of his infinite glory, may he give you the power through his Spirit for your hidden self to grow strong, so that Christ may live in your hearts through faith, and then, planted in love and built on love, you will with all the saints have strength to grasp the breadth and the length, the height and the depth; until, knowing the love of Christ, which is beyond all knowledge, you are filled with the utter fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:16-19)

“Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.” (Mat. 5:8)

"He who builds only on visible and tangible things like success, career and money builds the house of his life on sand”. He added: ”We are now seeing, in the collapse of major banks, that money vanishes, it is nothing. All these things that appear to be real are in fact secondary. Only God’s words are a solid reality”.

Pope Benedict XVI​

The Holy Father turned to the young people of today who are, he said, “growing up in an atmosphere pervaded with messages that propose false models of happiness. These boys and girls risk losing hope because they often seem to be orphaned of that real love which fills life with meaning and joy.”

Pope Benedict XVI​

From his earliest years Francesco Forgione was a man of prayer. Considered a quiet boy by the other youngsters he would seldom play with them “because they blaspheme.” This aversion to sin would cause him to run away to pray in the church of St. Pius V.

St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina​

 

[Tybourne]

Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21, RSV) It was hearing this Scripture that led St Anthony Abbot to take the Lord’s call literally.

“they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread * and the prayers i.e. seven times a day” (Acts 2:42, RSV).

“no-one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.” (Acts 4:32 RSV).

“At midnight I rise to praise thee, because of thy righteous ordinances.”
“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in thy words.”
“Seven times a day I praise thee for thy righteous ordinances.” (All from Psalm 119, RSV)*

 

[tassitus]

. . . he said that that would be cool, but we are not called to do things as such, but to stay within the world and preach the gospel. . .

I think, as a Protestant, he may be right - “they” might not be so called.

(but many of “us” are!)