I have a friend named Luke. I have known Luke for the last thirteen years. We met through the internet, when he answered an email from me. My mother had just died and I had done her memorial service in her home town, at the cemetery. Luke responded to my email with such peace and caring that I felt totally comforted. So, for the last 13 years, Luke and I have chatted, two or three times per year, most often through email. Always, I receive a blessing. Always, the chats are full of laughter, or peace or joy.
I know what you are thinking, if this guy is such a good friend, how come you only talk two or three times per year? Did I mention that my Brother Luke is the Choirmaster of the Abbey where I am sitting this minute writing this? He is a Cistercian monk who has been at this place for 43 years. He wears a robe most days and plays the organ, sings and leads the monks in their daily worship. And, he is funny, deep and filled with joy. And, I think he would be a bit embarrassed to know I am writing this about him.
The monks are committed to a way of life where everything is about prayer. They work, this Abbey is 168 years old and occupies about 2,500 acres. You can imagine the upkeep of the buildings and grounds and that everyone has a role. This place has often been called a “school of love” and so it is. I have been loved by my brother, Luke, from the very first moment he answered my email from here at the Abbey.
I got to chat with Luke just yesterday. When I asked him how he was, he smiled and explained that at 66 years of age, it was all “golden”. That the light was softer but golden. He reminded me that very little matters in this life but love. He also reminded me that in the next room from his office, sits the coffin every monk will lie in while his brother monks keep vigil over him. We are all going there and that too is glorious. In that moment, we will finally know that we never needed the answers, that it was always about love and that the Eternal created us to do just that, to love.
Luke brings me back to what matters. This Abbey brings me back to what matters. I am. That is all, just I am. I do not have to do or be anything else and Luke and God will love me just the same. I suspect my lovely wife will too. Isn’t that enough? To know that we are the beloved of God? Does that sound arrogant to you? It shouldn’t, Christ said we are joint heirs with Him. He was the son of God, so am I, and if you are reading this, so are you….son or daughter…….you are Beloved of God. Bask in it, see the golden soft light of love. You don’t need anything else.
Thanks for the reminder Brother Luke……I will indeed trudge on toward the Light.
TMM