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Don't Trust the Abbot: Musings from the Monastery

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Don't Trust the Abbott: Musings from the Monastery, Jerome Kodell OSB, Liturgical Press, 2009.

Jerome Kodell is abbott of Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas. These 'musings' are reproduced from some of his newsletters, at the request of his many friends, visitor-retreatants and others... As such this book has a special appeal to those who know Jerome personally, but we in the distant parts of the church/world who've never met him can also benefit from his integrity and wisdom and gentle scholarship.

There are spiritual gems throughout this little 94-page book of about 40 short articles (which are probably best read slowly about one-per-day for a month or so). Like:

* 'Ignorance of the future, one of the saints has said, is the greatest unrecognized blessing of God'

* 'Abraham, our father in faith, was asked to set out on a perilous journey with no clear destination, but with the promise "I am your shield". Saint Gregory of Nyassa's comment: "Abraham left his home without knowing where he was going, a sure sign he was going the right way"'

* 'The Sabbath came out of nowhere... learning to observe the Sabbath is a preparation for eternal life with God

For non-Roman Catholics, some of the material here is 'in-house' (like the discussion of terms like 'priest', 'brother' and 'religious'). But I reckon (as a small-c catholic Baptist) that the little chapter on celibacy is worth the price ($US 11-95) of the whole book. (And note that I'm non-celibate, and actually regard that discipline as dangerous for many people).

Excerpts:

* A survey found that 62% of diocesan priests would marry if the law of mandatory celibacy were relaxed

* The majority of those in the church who've made a public commitment to celibacy are not clergy: 'most of us are "religious" (members of religious orders) and our celibacy has nothing to do with priesthood'

* '"In all your years of celibacy, haven't you met someone you would really like to share your life with, to be married to, some woman who would make your life wonderful?" Yes, I have to admit it, I have; and it's more than one: I haven't been keeping track, but by now it must be about four thousand. It isn't because I don't like women or marriage that I'm celibate'

* 'I don't tell myself that celibacy comes naturally and that I can live any way I please and still remain faithful. My hormones didn't make vows. I know that I can't read just anything or watch just anything... I can't sneak a peek at internet porn and eagerly listen to suggestive jokes and expect to stay spiritually healthy and at peace...'

You might know someone who could benefit from that kind of practical wisdom.

Rowland Croucher [...]

I was fortunate to attend a retreat at Subiaco Abbey last fall where Abbot Jerome Kodell was the principal speaker. I gained many new insights from the Abbot and only wished these had been written down in a book. Thus, I was greatly pleased when Musings from the Monastery came out. I have enjoyed reading passages from the book containing many of the insights I gained from the retreat and sharing these "pearls" of wisdom with my spiritual friends. One of the more comforting is a poignant reminder to let go and trust in Jesus, i.e., "We do not need to know where Jesus is going. It is enough that he knows and that he takes us with him."

Since I'm a Benedictine oblate, this book naturally appealed to me. I thought, from the title, that it would be filled with funny stories. Instead, I found each short section to be reflective, insightful, and thought-provoking. I intend to purchase another copy eventually to be used in the prayer room at our church for people who are taking personal days of reflection. Each chapter is full of tidbits that can be used examine one's own life. Another book I'll be reading over and over again!

This very short book contains much monastic wisdom for lay people. I would say that Vatican II's call for reform has humanized religious thinking and made life much easier to bear for our monastic brothers and sisters.