The Community of Reconciliation Update
January 6, 2010
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“If I am to grow into a whole and free person then there must be a harmonious relationship between the inner and the outer. Without it there comes that crippling disunity within myself that will lead to ill-health, whether physical, psychological, or spiritual. External conformity is not enough. The outwardly good behavior that is without interior motivation becomes automatic, deadening.” —Esther de Waal, The Life-Giving Way: A Commentary on the Rule of Saint Benedict Converting Conversion 
The First Monday Creating a Rule gathering this week generated some delightfully refreshing insights. As participants gathered to explore Saint Benedict’s call and our response to conversatio—conversion—the evening gently spiraled into deepening inquiry, remembered stories, religious interpretations, and surprising emotion. What does it mean to be converted? Is conversion conformity? Is conversion about force and coercion? I remember thinking that we had to convert all of the Indians or they would go to hell. I am not quite certain what conversion means in my life right now. Do I have to become something I am not and have never been to be converted? Once again, this Benedictine way of the ancients washed in to rinse—in the words of Mary Oliver—“this one precious life.” What are we to do with conversion, and maybe more importantly, what is conversion to do with us? Sharing our stories of “heathens forced to convert,” social misfits who did not conform, and our own fears and biases born of religious doctrine and socialization—we came to entertain the idea that conversion may mean more than what we originally thought. And then a marvelous, sparkling epiphany. Has my limited understanding of conversion robbed me of strength, balance, and joy? What if conversation is not what I think it is? Wading into etymology we discovered a world of grace, purpose, transformation, and renewal embodied in the word. Images of a freighter converted into a passenger liner with an altered purpose, a chemical formula converting inert matter into a vibrant substance, a cake recipe converting kilos to cups so that one could replicate Uncle Sven’s Swedish Über Cake, and an adult converted to childlike freshness, returning to first purposes—all offered expanded understanding about what conversion can mean. Just possibly, Saint Benedict’s call to conversion is not a call to adding another rule, or action, or thing to do or becoming something we are not—maybe, just maybe—conversion is about allowing us to return to the true selves that we are. Divine, holy, and capable of love. Returning to our center. Maybe conversion is about reclaiming who and what we have always been. For all who view the raw material of our humanity as base, evil, and dangerous, conversion may insist upon a jettisoning of baggage. And for all who view the raw material of our humanity as potent, kind, and powerful, conversion may melt away that which obscures our true creation, much like a candle releasing bits of stone embedded in its wax that simply drop away as the candle melts to the warmth of its flame. For a few moments a sparkling silence settled across the room, several smiled, and a collective sigh was sounded. Maybe, just maybe, it is time for each of us to convert conversion. For details or to register, follow the calendar links at right. Or contact us at (202) 537-6217 or companions@cathedral.org for a personal invitation! Listening, Hearing, and Living Series Engaging Our Sensate World with Esther de Waal  How can we more fully live as spiritual beings in a physical world? Can we more fully embrace our senses to reveal the divine in every moment? What might the centuries-old rhythms of balance and reconciliation sounded by Saint Benedict teach us about the sacred in work and beauty in our daily living? Set a course for exploration this New Year with renowned author, poet, and Christian mystic Esther de Waal at the first of the Community of Reconciliation’s 2010 Listening, Hearing, and Living series. This Saturday session provides a rare opportunity to learn from one of the eminent voices of Benedictine life and thought. As poet, mystic, and scholar Esther will guide our time of conversation, prayer, and reflection with insight, wisdom, and gentle beauty. • Learn more and purchase tickets » The Practice of Recreation with Tim Carrington  How are we to rest our mind, body, and spirit in a world that constantly insists on attention to the urgent? What does the way of Benedict have to teach us about renewal, laughter, play, and intention? How can rest become part of the fabric of our daily living? Can play become a part of our lives? What might our children teach us about the way of recreation? Join Tim Carrington, president of board of the Friends of Saint Benedict and journalist, parent, consultant, and development specialist with the World Bank as we explore Benedict’s approach to recreation of body, mind, and spirit. This vital practice offers balance that grounds our spiritual lives, our relationships, and our livelihoods. This profoundly simple approach to recreation can center us in God as we seek to foster reconciliation in the world. • Learn more and purchase tickets » Mid-Winter Monastic Quiet Day Saturday, February 20, 2010, 7 AM  Monastic Quiet days offer a unique opportunity to experience transformational rhythms experienced in monastic communities in the midst of our own daily living. Using a simple guide for guidance and reflection, participants begin their practice of silence on Friday evening in their own homes. Saturday morning participants convene at the Cathedral—gathering for 7:30 am Eucharist, followed by breakfast, periods for reflection, and lunch—all in silence. The afternoon includes time for prayer, meditation, reflection, and short learning sessions for response and sharing, and concludes with Evening Prayer in the great choir of the Cathedral.  Led by Kurt Aschermann, president of Charity Partners Foundation, active contemplative, and former senior vice president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Greg Finch, director of the Community of Reconciliation at Washington National Cathedral. • Learn more and purchase tickets » Stay Connected The Community is refining our database to better serve every participant. If you have not already done so, would you take two minutes right now to update your contact information using the link below. It will save hours of research that can be put to good use in the Community. Thank you in advance! Subscribe to our e-newsletter and stay up to date on Community of Reconciliation news and events. Holiday and Inclement Weather Schedule  The Cathedral holiday schedule aligns with the federal government schedule for holidays and inclement weather, with some exceptions. We do this to reduce confusion and to honor the work of all of our security and maintenance colleagues. In the event of inclement weather we err on the side of safety, so never place yourself at risk! Visit the Cathedral website for a complete calendar for the upcoming year by clicking here » “Life is a way of walking through the universe whole and holy.” —Margaret Guenther |
Please consider the environment before printing this email. Radical Balance and Reconciliation Wherever you find yourself along your spiritual journey, balance in life and reconciliation in the world can be an increasing part of your life. Anchored by gatherings and resources at Washington National Cathedral, we pray and listen for the divine in our midst, share and explore spiritual wisdom, rest and renew our bodies and spirit, explore and engage our work in the world, and joyfully welcome and encourage those along our journey. Learn More To learn more, view a calendar of events, and access audio and video resources for your spiritual growth, click here » Stay connected To update your contact info click here » Or contact us at Quick Links Make a gift now » Direct link to Community web page » |