Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

In the monastic world, today is the Memorial of St. Bruno, who died on this day, October 6th, in the year of our Lord 1101. He is the founder of the Carthusian Order, a monastic order, popularly known for its austere way of life. Yet, the austerity is only a means to an end, namely, the contemplation of God. Indeed, the Carthusian life is essentially contemplative, in the sense that their whole life is ordered to contemplation. The Carthusian contemplative spends most of his or her time in the silence and solitude of the cell. The Carthusian cell (more like a hermitage with several rooms) is the place of encounter with God.

But what is contemplation? There has been much misunderstanding about this in the Church. Unfortunately, a complete definition will not be attempted here, only a few cursory comments. In a book about the Order, an anonymous writer states, “Contemplation is a gift freely bestowed by God upon whom He wills.” (The Carthusians, 1952, p. 35) It is a thing that happens to a believer, not something that is achieved. Thomas Merton has tried to rescue contemplation from “a realm of esoteric knowledge and experience,” in which the contemplative is elevated to “a privileged state among the spiritually pure, as if he were almost an angel, untouched by matter and passion, and no longer familiar with the economy of sacraments, charity, and the Cross.” (Merton, Contemplative Prayer, introduction) Though polemical, it is nevertheless true. There is a danger in trying to reach contemplation on one’s own. Prayer that is simple is probably best for starts—and who is not a beginner?

How fitting, then, is the Gospel reading today about Martha and Mary serving Jesus in both active and contemplative ways. (see Lk 10:38-42) Martha could stand for those who lead the active life; Mary, for those who lead the contemplative life. The distinction breaks down, however, when it is applied to most people who lead lives of both action and contemplation.

Still, St. Bruno and the Carthusian Order can be a model and witness to all Christians. A Carthusian motto illustrates this point: Stat crux dum volvitur orbis. The Cross stands firm as the world turns.

Prayer: O God, who called St. Bruno to serve you in solitude, grant, through his intercession, that amid the changes of this world, we may constantly look to you alone.

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB