Day 71 (22) – Sobrado Dos Monxes

Today we climbed to the highest elevation point on our journey. Another great moment to celebrate.

In Sobrado we were able to see the Santa Maria Monastery, a declared world heritage site by UNESCO . On the way, we also walked through the beauty of the Galician Atlantic Forest, with wetlands full of flora and fauna. From mountain top to valley all was grand.

Waking up to the small surprises of each day has been one of the greatest blessings of this adventure. What will we see? Where will we stop? Who will we meet? What will we learn? All of it an adventure.

On our monastery tour these thoughts brought life to my soul:

"The only way to bear witness is...
to be what we are in the midst of banal, everyday realities."
Blessed Christian de Chergé

Fr Michael said if contemplative Religious are to play a prophetic role in the postmodern world, “the first requirement is that we are what we say we are”.

To be what we are called to be involves more than extricating ourselves from the constricting coils of capitalism, consumerism and exploitation. We certainly need to shake off these constraints. But there is more. We need to allow the grace of our gifts to flourish and bear fruit in our individual and corporate lives. To be what we are meant to be.

In Christ community we are called to Balance prayer, work, and reflection with inner silence, solitude, and contemplation. Maintain an attitude open to listening and dialogue. Live with a spirit of love toward those around us and serve as a reflection of balance, compassion, and grace in all our relationships. Be witnesses of faithfulness to our commitment. Foster active ecumenical and interfaith engagement. Be present to the needs of our brothers and sisters,individually and as a group. Practice mercy and compassion with all we encounter. Live together as one family in God in the world. Actively expressing a sense of community in all aspects of our lives. Fostering a relationship of service with the community and world. Offering hospitality and service to one another, both as partners in our local communities and individually. Serving the Church and the People of God.

Yes - to be Jesus people - a people of the way.