Oct 27 – Reflections on Contemporary Culture

David Brooks - New York Times columnistThis evening some of us viewed a video of an interview with New York Times columnist David Brooks. He shared some of his self-reflections in light of a major misjudgment in his professional life and the death of a friend who lived a full life of service. Brooks concluded that he has reached a point in his life where he feels the need take some risks emotionally and spiritually.  He also spoke of what he considers to be the four key commitments we make in life (to a relationship/spouse, a vocation, a faith/philosophy, and a community) which are all rooted in love and supported by structures when love falters. After watching the video we had a brief discussion regarding these points and the clear parallels to the commitments of monastic life.

 

from Ratio Institutionis – The Community as Formative

13.  Communal discussions and dialogues, forms of Gospel sharing and fraternal correction, can be important means in the formation of the community.  In these and other ways, members of the community are trained to listen to others, exposed to different viewpoints and encouraged to develop skills of self-expression.