sheep and goats

Today the monks, family, oblates, and friends said their final good-byes to Brother David. You can read more about his life through the link along the right side for St Gregory Abbey news. What I would like to share here are some reflections of the Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Abbot Lawrence.

After the red corded church bell, used only to announce a death, was pulled a few dozen times (I lost count), deep from the monastery hall we started to hear the cantor chant the Litany of Saints. We joined in the response to the lone voice. Soon, the monks began to emerge from the monastery entrance to the sanctuary, and our voices joined theirs as the litany continued, invoking the prayers of St. Gregory, St. Benedict, and many others, the great cloud of witnesses which we are surrounded by in our faith. Brother David's coffin was brought in by pallbearers, then lovingly draped as Abbot Lawrence watched over the work.


The first reading was thoughtfully read by Brother Kevin, from the Book of Lamentations, about a heart's desire and longing for God.

The Mass continued with Psalms, the second reading from Corinthians, and then the Gospel reading from Matthew. Remember the passage about the Lord sorting the sheep to His right side, and the goats to His left, and how he made this distinction? It was by how they each responded in the ordinaryness of daily life to those who crossed each one's path. The sheep recognized and responded to needs they saw in others, giving of what they had to ease the other's lack. The goats did not. And, unknowingly, they were denying their Lord in these moments of grace.

Abbot Lawrence shared many kind comments of his own, as well as some from the many condolences received from Brother David's students, Holy Cross monastery community (now dispersed), and family. It was said that his faith was simple and direct, that his demeanor presented a shy, perhaps quiet man, but that his care and compassion was deep and sincere. He was loved by many, and his life poured out to the end was a ministry of pressing others along their journeys, to its highest vantage points (whether spiritual or in a camping vista).

What crossed my mind when I first read of Brother David's death, was that the monks at St. Gregory's Abbey were very kind to take him and Brother Matthew in, welcoming them as Christ, allowing them to visit and discern if God would have them to relocate there. In spite of the great emotional strain it must have been on the hearts of both Brothers to say good bye to their beloved home of 30+ years in Colorado, they accepted this unplanned part of God's will and made all efforts to integrate and contribute to their new community.

One monk made a comment to me that this happens many times, when brothers must disband, that they don't live long in their second homes. The bonds of monastic community living are much stronger, running deep in the strands of the soul, than I may ever understand from my vantage point of the oblate. But I am clear that I saw sheep in action in the gracious actions of both the monks receiving new brothers, and the brothers being received. I am humbled to observe this beautiful grace from above. Rest in peace, Brother David. Pray for us, and we will be praying for you.