Here I am! I drove up to Berryville, Arkansas. I am living in a Monastic Christian community, which includes celibate brothers and sisters, and married brothers and sisters…and their families. It is truly an amazing community of love. As with all “families,” it isn’t as easy as one might think.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta says that the fruit of silence is prayer…

I am investing in that prayer.

You have read about this prayer in this column before:

The fruit of silence is prayer
The fruit of prayer is faith
The fruit of faith is love
The fruit of love is service
The fruit of service is peace.

I originally came here to experience a weekend retreat given by a great musician by the name of Michael Card. When I called, they were booked. They then asked if I would be willing to bunk in the cloister that is about 8 miles away. This little monastery is in Northwest Arkansas. That grand troubadour, John Michael Talbot, founded it. You can check their website out for the details: www.littleportion.org

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So here in this very desolate, quiet and beautiful place, I am alone and yet in community. It is peaceful. It seems to be a place where many people would love to come to and possibly stay. Today I prayed and worked in the garden and tended to some chickens and goats. Fresh organic vegetables eaten from the garden reminded me how the disciples of Jesus plucked the grains and ate them because they were hungry…and Jesus approved! Couples and singles and families have come to stay in this community. One of the young adults who had gone to college remarked that it is the children who are suppose to leave home for a monastic life, not our parents!

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When I return back to Jacksonville, Sister Maureen and I will be animating the Faith and Sharing Retreat at Marywood from August 29-September 2. It is a weeklong retreat in which we live in community with those with mental and physical disabilities. We have been part of these weekends for the past 12 years. Bishop John Snyder, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Augustine, brought this retreat to our diocese over 25 years ago. It is based on the L’Arche communities founded by Jean Vanier. We have one of these special communities called Harbor House located next door to Christ the King parish in Jacksonville. At first I was very intimidated. I thought that I was going to bring something to these people. You can imagine how humbling it was. All I had to do was see God in the poor of spirit, poor of heart, and poor of body.

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Since arriving here at Little Portion, I know that God really wanted to spend some quiet time with me. How about you?

Is Jesus calling you to a retreat?

If at all possible, please call Trish at the diocesan disabilities office and come on down to the river. You don’t need any experience except a willingness to love the poor in body and spirit…and of course, for them to love you. Be blessed.

Love, joy, peace…and for now, glorious silence!

Father Ron Moses +

www.tearinthedesert.com

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