“Nothing
Dearer than Christ”
Oblate letter of the
Pluscarden Benedictines,
Elgin, Moray, Scotland. IV30
8UA.
Ph. (01343) 890257 fax
890258
DMB series No 26
Oblate Letter Easter
Pentecost Summer 2015
Monastic voice:
From
the Praktikos of Evagrius Ponticus ( 345-
389 AD) Translated by Fr. Luke
Dysinger OSB (to whom thanks for putting his translation in the "public
domain"!
"[CONCERNING
THE EIGHT [TEMPTING-] THOUGHTS]
6.
THERE are eight generic [tempting-] thoughts that contain within themselves
every [tempting-] thought:
first
is that of gluttony;
and
with it, sexual immorality;
third,
love of money;
fourth,
sadness;
fifth,
anger;
sixth
acedia;
seventh,
vainglory;
eighth,
pride.
Whether
these thoughts are able to disturb the soul or not is not up to us; but whether
they linger or not, and whether they arouse passions or not; that is up to us.
7. THE
[tempting]-thought of gluttony suggests to the monk the quick abandonment of
his asceticism. The stomach, liver,
spleen, and [resultant] congestive heart failure are depicted, along with long
sickness, lack of necessities, and unavailability of physicians. It often leads him to recall those of the
brethren who have suffered these things. Sometimes it even deceives those who
have suffered from this kind of thing to go and visit [others] who are practicing
self-control, to tell them all about their misfortunes and how this resulted
from their asceticism.
8. THE
demon of sexual immorality (porneia) compels desiring for different bodies.
Especially violently does it attack those who practice self-control, so that
they will cease, as if achieving nothing. Contaminating the soul, it bends it
down towards these sorts of deeds: it makes it speak certain words and then
hear them, as if the thing were actually there to be seen.
9. LOVE
of money (avarice) suggests: a long old age; hands powerless to work; hunger
and disease yet to come; the bitterness of poverty; and the disgrace of
receiving the necessities [of life] from others.
10.
GLOOMINESS sometimes arises from frustrated desires; but sometimes it is the
result of anger. When desires are frustrated it arises thus: certain
[tempting-]thoughts first seize the soul and remind it of home and parents and
its former course of life.
When
they see the soul following them without resistance, and dissipating itself in mental pleasures,
they take and dunk [lit baptize] it in gloom, since it is the case that these
earlier things are gone and cannot be recovered due to the [monk's] present way
of life Then the miserable soul, having been dissipated by the first
[tempting-]thought, is humiliated all the more by the second.
11.
ANGER (orgē) is the sharpest passion. It is said to be a boiling up and
movement of indignation (thumos) against a wrongdoer or a presumed wrongdoer:
it causes the soul to be savage all day long, but especially in prayers it
seizes the nous, reflecting back the face of the distressing person. Then
sometimes it is lingering and is changed into rancor (mēnis). and [thus] it
causes disturbances at night: bodily weakness and pallor; and attacks from
poisonous beasts. These four things associated with rancour may be found to
have been summoned up by many other [tempting-] thoughts.
12. THE
demon of acedia, which is also called the noonday demon, is the most burdensome
of all the demons. It besets the monk at about the fourth hour (10 am) of the
morning, encircling his soul until about the eighth hour (2 pm).
[1]
First it makes the sun seem to slow down or stop moving , so that the day
appears to be fifty hours long.
[2]
Then it makes the monk keep looking out of his window and forces him to go
bounding out of his cell to examine the sun to see how much longer it is to 3
o’clock, and to look round in all directions in case any of the brethren is
there.
[3]
Then it makes him hate the place and his way of life and his manual work It
makes him think that there is no charity left among the brethren; no one is
going to come and visit him.
[4] If
anyone has upset the monk recently, the demon throws this in too to increase
his hatred
[5] It
makes him desire other places where he can easily find all that he needs and
practice an easier, more convenient craft
After all, pleasing the Lord is not dependent on geography, the demon
adds; God is to be worshipped everywhere.
[6] It
joins to this the remembrance of the monk’s family and his previous way of
life, and suggests to him that he still has a long time to live, raising up
before his eyes a vision of how burdensome the ascetic life is. So, it employs,
as they say, every [possible] means to move the monk to abandon his cell and
give up the race. No other demon follows on immediately after this one but
after its struggle the soul receives in turn a peaceful condition and
unspeakable joy.
13. THE
thought of vainglory is especially subtle and it easily infiltrates those whose
lives are going well,
[A]
wanting to publish their efforts
[B] and
go hunting for glory among men;
[1] it
raises up a fantasy of demons shouting,
[2] and
women being healed,
[3] and
a crowd of people wanting to touch the monk’s clothes.
[4] It
prophesies priesthood for him, and sets the stage with people thronging at his
door, calling for him, and even though he resists he will be carried off under
constraint.
Then,
having raised him up with empty hopes like this, it suddenly leaps away and
leaves him, abandoning him to be tempted either by the demon of pride or by the
demon of gloominess, which brings on thoughts contrary to the previous hopes
Sometimes
it also hands over to the demon of sexual immorality the man who, a moment
before, was being carried off forcibly to be made a holy priest.
14. THE
demon of pride conducts the soul to its worst fall. It urges it:
[1] not
to admit God’s help
[2] and
to believe that the soul is responsible for its own achievements,
[3] and
to disdain the brethren as fools because they do not all see this about it.
This
demon is followed by:
[1]
anger and
[2] sadness and
[3] utter insanity and madness,
and visions of mobs of demons in the air.
Non-Monastic voice
The
following are the original twelve steps as published by Alcoholics Anonymous to
whom grateful thanks and acknowledgement and attribution ( summary):-
1.
We
admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2.
Came to
believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3.
Made a
decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we
understood Him.
4.
Made a
searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5.
Admitted
to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our
wrongs.
6.
Were
entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7.
Humbly
asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8.
Made a
list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9.
Made
direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would
injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory, and
when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as
we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the
power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the
result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to
practice these principles in all our affairs.
With grateful acknowledgement to the "Big Book"
Another Non-Monastic voice
"John Ogilvie an account of His Life and Death" by
W.E. Brown
(from the scaffold the saint
in dialogue with the crowd) “.....( for) religion alone?" "Of that
alone," cried the people." Very well," triumphantly replied
Ogilvie (and Browne ( a friend nearby) joined in his triumph), " that is
enough; on the head of religion alone I am condemned and for that I would
willingly and joyfully pour forth even a hundred lives. Take from me that one
which I have, and make no delay, for my religion you shall never take from
me."A man named Abercromby, a friend of Ogilvie's, had accompanied the
latter to the scaffold. He urged Ogilvie to suffer his wrongs patiently, taking
his attention probably from the people to his approaching end. "The more
wrongs the better”, John Browne heard him say, and noticed that the two were
busy with a last colloquy. The officers were impatient at this; by their
command Abercromby was flung from the scaffold on to the people below, and
orders were given to bind the prisoner's hands. Ogilvie, knowing that the end
had come, flung his rosary to the crowd. By chance it fell, not where Browne or
the boy Heygate stood, but in another direction. A young Hungarian noble, a
Calvinist, happened to be in Glasgow on this February 28th (in the old uncorrected calendar) The crowd and the
excitement had drawn him to the place of execution. The noble bearing, the
haughty courage of the prisoner had attracted the young man. Caring nothing for
religion he was present, however, as at a spectacle, when suddenly the rosary
struck him in the chest. Immediately the people around, whom he supposed
(probably from their sympathetic bearing) to be Catholics, flung themselves
upon him, eager to snatch even one of the beads as a relic of the man who was
to die. From that moment Jean de Eckersdorff (so was the young man named) (he)
knew no peace of mind until he found it in the Catholic Faith. Ogilvie's last
gesture was to add yet one more to the converts for whom he lived and died.”
FROM THE OBLATEMASTER'S
DESK
Our three
voices are , the first, a very monastic basic text which lies behind much of St John Cassian's conferences and is
a guide for Christian's in their warfare
against sin and satan and pilgrimage to God. The second is a modern ,
classic non - monastic text for those battling the gravitational pull of sin
following much the same wisdom as the desert -monk fathers who thought they had
left all that behind -- and learnt better.
The third text is from the Life of Jesuit St.
John Ogilvie whose 400th anniversary of Martyrdom is this year with a national
pilgrimage to Keith on July the 4th -- please note! He died for the primacy of
religion over the state. Right and wrong comes from God not parliament! Don't
be confused by the labels Calvinist-- Catholic. It was a victory for God,
conversion of life and prayer ( symbolised by the rosary). Everyone who has a
reason for living has a religion. We
honour God by aligning our wills with His as long as His gift of life should
last without ever saying " the gift
is Yours , You have it back!"
Suffering
and especially sin, the hardest kind of suffering,
can make of our lives an ordeal. Only life lived hand in hand with the Maker
Whose gift it is can be a life of peace and happiness at the deepest level.
Prayer
is the answer to life's difficulties!
As the
prologue of St Benedict's Rule says " What could be sweeter than that
voice of God saying when I call "Here I am!!" What could be sweeter
indeed! We (the monks) all hope to be at Keith when Bishop Hugh is preaching on
the 4th of July (a Saturday)--- See you there on that historic day which is a
celebration of God before all secularism, religion before materialism!
Our own website is www.Pluscardenabbey.org and it has a section "Oblates" which has all the oblate letters
of Pluscarden for the last eighteen years or so-- the most recent- mid-2011
onwards are on the link which you click onto on the oblate part of the website
where it says"HERE" or use this link valeofstandrew.blogspot
Books
and Media
The
Smile of a Ragpicker The Life of Satoko Kitahara - Convert and Servant of the
Slums of Tokyo
Author:
Paul Glynn Format: Paperback Product Code:SMR-P ISBN978-1-58617-881-9
Length:289
pages
Description
Following
his acclaimed work, A Song for Nagasaki, in which Fr. Paul Glynn told the
powerful story of Dr. Nagai, a Christian convert of remarkable courage and
compassion who ministered to victims of the atomic bomb attack on his city, The
Smile of a Ragpicker brings us the heroic story of Satoko Kitahara, a young,
beautiful woman of wealth who gave up her riches and comfort to be among the
ragpickers in the Tokyo slums. Motivated by her newfound faith in Christ, she
plunged into the life of the poor, regardless of the consequences. If you want
to understand the incarnation then this comes at it in an untheological way. We
had it in the ref--- great!
Reminder: the “UK Oblates Team have a website www.benedictine-oblates.net that often has very useful information
and articles and advertises events.
Prayer Intentions For
our oblate Bishop Richard Moth who is now installed as Archbishop of Arundel
and Brighton ( formerly Bishop of the forces) For Oblate George Brand our diocesan MC and as a Papal Knight is
MC at so many big events-- God's blessing on him. For our new Oblates David James Tringham DOMINIC Miller, Eileen
MARGARET Fitzpatrick, Kathleen MARY MAGDALENE Hoy, Rev. Angus Robert
MAELRHUBBHA Macleod, Alexander Graham John ANSELM Maclean; new novice oblate, Fr.
Andrew Clark, John Gleeson. For Oblate Margaret Kessack just awarded the Bene
Merenti medal for her work as an organist-- we could second that at the Abbey
for training our organists! For Br. Peter Morris now Solemnly professed as a
Redemptorist and now Deacon Peter Morris-- blessings.
For Abbot Anselm's and Bishop Hugh's intentions. For vocations to
Pluscarden-- for Br Mina who is from Egypt a country of persecution and is a
pre--postulant with us. St Mary's, Petersham and Kristo Buase. Br. Adrian and
Br. Finbar, health.
Please pray for Br. Gabriel who is in his Silver Jubilee year of
Profession
For Brothers Joseph and John who have come to us from Tien Phuoc priory
in Vietnam for two years for their English and for a broadening of their
monastic experience.
For the repose of the soul Glynis Stranraer-Mull who died suddenly
last week - and for her family-- She was seen frequently at the Abbey.
Please pray for our sick Oblates and their relatives &
especially Albert Paterson ( whose 90 year old mother is in hospital after a
fall), Eileen Grant's son Robin recovering , Sarah Drever’s husband Leslie, ,
Mrs. Allie Brien, Mrs. Alice Sullivan who is 90 on the 21st August. Brigitte
Mackay and Maggie Barrett, Paul Miller, Margaret Rawcliffe( and for the repose
of her sister Veronica’s soul) , Mrs. Gertrude Corker’s two daughters, Bob
Barr, Brian Milne, Gail Schmitz continued improvement, Fiona Sellar, Martin's
wife Mary, Maurice Dufficy, recovering,
Maureen’s sister Dorothy, Leonora, Graham Dunbar, Alison Donald, Beth Fraser
and her husband Chris, Paul Costello health, Bob Clark, Nick MaCrae’s son,
Martin MaCrae battling illness, Dr. David Paterson and his wife Angela,
Jacqui’s daughter Sally, Hester, Poppy Sinclair, Ian Brodie and his twin
brother, for Pat Foster, Johan Baillie, James and Helen Timoney--Just
had their Diamond Wedding Anniversary and James his 87th Bithday! Congratulations
and prayers-- both very ill, Carolyn and Marshall Boardman and especially their
son Macolm, Martin Farrelly and especially for his wife Val -- recent heart attack
, David Braine of Aberdeen, foremost philosopher in Scotland( read his books if
you are up to the challenge!), Susan Stephen, Evelyn needs prayers for illness,
Violet, Sheila and all friends of the Abbey and for all oblates, and all the
sick, and those who care for them--and for Josaphat our sponsored seminarian. Also John McKinlay Golden wedding anniversary.
Also late
extra--- prayers that A96 dual carriageway may avoid our valley, if it is
built. ALSO RIP Connie Reid, Oblate.
Events---- Past
• Oblate Retreat here at
Pluscarden first weekend of Lent February 2015 led by Fr. Abbot, our Abbot Anselm,
as before a great success-- thank you Fr. Abbot! Do mark it in your diary for the first Weekend of the First Sunday of
Lent for 2016.
The inter-monasterial exchange
here at Pluscarden in May was also a success - -many thanks to all who
supported it in so many ways, not least the meal in the village Hall! ( Thank
you Fr. Mark and Br. Michael, Colin and Rita and Eileen and of course Fr.
Martin McLaughlin and the Prinknash oblates!)
Could you let me know if you
would ever want another Summer Oblate weekend at Pluscarden as before?
5th National U.K. inter-oblate
Retreat is taking place 4-6 September 2015 at Douai Abbey. The theme is ‘What
does it mean to be an Oblate in 2015?’ Fr Gervase, the Oblate Director at
Douai, will act as Facilitator. Please contact Stephen Day (Oblate of Prinknash
Abbey) for more details email day.sj@virgin.net
or telephone 01453 860367. Spaces
are limited.
•St Mungo’s Chapter Glasgow.
As announced. Peter Aitken 11, Maxwell Grove, Glasgow. G41 5JP. Phone: 0141 4272084. Numbers have been
steadily increasing.
•St Margaret’s Chapter, Dunfermline
as annoounced.
•St.
Monica’s Chapter, Thurso. Contact Jane Coll. "Scaraben”, Westside, Dunnet,
Thurso, Caithness, KY14 8YD. Phone 01847
851467 as annonounced.
Aberdeen meetings in abeyance.
•New
Chapter—St.Mirin’s Chapter. Date: 1st Saturday
each month. Time 2-4 pm. Venue: Hall 2, St Mirin’s Cathedral, Cathedral
Precincts, Incle Stret Paisley, PA1 1HR—secure parking there within Cathedral
enclosure. Farther information: St Mirin Chapter, Benedictine Oblate Group, c/o
Campbell Murdoch, Fircroft, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4JT m: 07810 350006
ejcmurdoch@yahoo.co.uk
UGANDAN SEMINARIAN. UPDATE
JANUARY 2015.
The Pluscarden Oblates
continue to support Josaphat Christian our 22 year old Seminarian. He is
currently involved in Pastoral work as part of his formation for the
Archdiocese or Tororo in Eastern Uganda about 130 miles northeast of Kampala.
His present parish is in the village of Magale were he had to learn the local
tribal language for the Bagisu tribe. He appears to be very popular with the Parish
Priest who seems to enjoy Josaphat’s culinary skills together with his ability
in the music ministry.
He has recently spent a few
days in Convocation for Seminarians allowing him to receive teachings and to
meet other Seminarians.
Josaphat will remain in the
Parish till August and with good reports, he will enter the Major Seminary in
September this year.
We continue to receive
communication from Josaphat and also from Sr. Catherine at the Benedictine
Priory in Tororo who keeps us fully
informed.
Please keep him in your
prayers.
If you are called to sponsor
Josaphat in any way please contact me, Paul Costello at 4, Commercial Road,
Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 9BD Tel:- 01358-721512 or e-mail:-
paulandjocostello@btinternet.com
Please send me your email (
again!) if you would be quite happy to receive this oblate letter by email
RATHER than by post. You can still have it by post if that is your preference!!
When this letter appears by
post and on the website there may be additions or alterations or corrections--
I'm rushing to get this out since it might almost seem late-- I'm following the
quoted dictum of my mentor that I cannot begin to imitate I should hasten to
add -- was he quoting Chesterton " If a thing's worth doing it's worth
doing badly!"-- if I didn't follow that dictum you would never get another
oblate letter from me(Notice it is an Oblate Letter not an Oblate Newsletter I
leave the news to our magazine "Pluscarden Benedictines" to which
hope you subscribe ( Fr. Bede is the Editor if you want to)
May the Lord's Face shine upon
you this Summer!
Yours in Christ and SPNB
Fr. Martin
+pax
