Be Not Afraid
2 Samuel 15.13-14, 30; 16.5-13, Ps 3, Mark 5.1-20
“Into Great Silence” is a virtually silent documentary portraying the daily lives of the Carthusian monks of Le Grande Chartreuse, a group considered by some to be the Catholic Church’s most rigorous religious order. The film, devoid of any soundtrack or script, depicts the austere life lived in the cloisters and halls of the monastery which is reflective of Carthusian spirituality, of which extreme asceticism is a significant character.
When asked about what it was like to live with the monks during the 7 month shoot, the film’s director, Philip Gröning, told reporters, “When I left the monastery, I was thinking about what exactly had I lived through and it was realizing that I had the privilege of living with a community of people who live practically without any fears.”
He continued “We tend to say that our society is driven by consumerism or greed but it’s not true. Greed, consumerism, wanting to have a new Porsche, for example, is a disguise of pure fear. It’s a near panicking society and (going back to that) was difficult to accept.”
Is that the life that we lead. Are we filled with fear and don’t even know it?
How often do our lives feel like and resemble that of the man Jesus meets in the gospel today who night and day was howling and bruising himself with stones and, if so, what is the remedy?
O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; Many are saying to me. “There is no help for you in God.”
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, My glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the lord and he answers me from his holy hill.
I lie down to sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
What would it be like to live without fear? What would it be like to never worry? For the monks of Le Grande Chartreuse this seems to be a possibility but can it be for the rest of us who run around in a culture that is always in a state of alert?
Psalm 3 is a portal for us. It is a window to a place where we no longer need to be afraid and where nothing that we value can ever be lost. Take the opportunity today to pray with this psalm and know that God is your shield and that no harm can come to you.
Dear Father,
Thank you for your response. I look forwards to your many posts on these subjects. I have personal experiences of some of what you mention – (best discussed in private e-mails).
As for praying for those half-way around the world … if you have time to spare, pray for me please … I sure need it.
God bless.
You can count on it Victor, God bless you.
The film maker hit the nail on the head about fearlessness ..
Yes, he was bang on : )
Have wonder-filled day Kevin
Thank you for the post, Father. My life has not led me into the convent, but I have thought about that path. I do believe that some people are called to the sacrifice of giving their lives in silence and prayer. Some people are called to such a life. I am grateful for their prayers. Thank you for the reflection on Psalm 3.
Hi Christine, thanks for the comment. You are right, very few are called to the detached life of the convent or monastery. But I believe that the peace that can be found in monastic life is not exclusive to that vocation.
Wishing you a peace filled day.
This thought-provoking post raises two questions (for now) in my mind. (I can only carry two thoughts in my mind at any given time).
1 I’ve often wondered WHY people join such monasteries and lock themselves away from the world, society and their families. They spend their days in prayer and meditation, and true, this is wholesome and right; but in doing so they also deny their families and friends the gift of their presence. We are all a gift to humanity. Often our very presence in this world is of positive effect to those around us – family, friends, co-workers, society and so on. Who are we to choose to deny others the positiveness of our being there for them?
Such people in monasteries choose to dedicate their presence in this world to God alone. Again, this is right and worthy. But does God really want that? Has He asked for that? Does He want people to be shut away from the world in permanent prayer?
Does God not want us, whatever our capabilities, to go out in this world and be His witnesses? Help and love each other as He commanded? Does He not want more Mothers Theresa? More missionaries? More priests? And more ordinary people doing their best in living His example for the world to emulate?
2 My second thought is about the very real point that we all live in fear. All kinds of fears, from real violence in all its shapes and forms to other fears such as security, loss of earnings, not being able to provide for the family, health issues and so on. Sadly, a lot of these fears are self-induced by society itself. By slowly yet persistantly eroding the role of God from our lives we have replaced His love and protection with doubts, worries, anxiety and … fear.
God bless you for yet another wonderful post, Father.
Victor, it is no wonder that you can only carry two thoughts at a time when each is so full and ripe with substance. You have given me enough material for at least 10 more reflections. Topics that come immediately to my mind are, the concept of “Call”, what does it mean to be called by God. Also what does it mean when we are called to do something ludicrous like joining a silent monastery or offering your first born son as a sacrifice. How about the efficacy of prayer and solidarity. How are we actually present to those we pray for even if they are half way around the world. Does God actually want us to do anything? If he does what is the value to God of those whose lives are unproductive, the homeless, the disabled, the sick ect.
Thank you for so much to think about, you are a writer’s best friend.