As I learn more about Benedictine living in preparation for hopefully becoming a Benedictine oblate, I’ve decided to share snippets of my journey with you. Today’s inspiration is from the prologue of a long-beloved book, In This House of Brede, by Rumer Godden.
Why would a lay person be interested in becoming an oblate? I’m guessing there are as many answers as there are oblates but for me it is nicely summed up in the following opening quote from the book:
“The motto was ‘Pax,’ but the word was set in a circle of thorns. Pax: peace, but what a strange peace, made of unremitting toil and effort, seldom with a seen result; subject to constant interruptions, unexpected demands, short sleep at nights, little comfort, sometimes scant food: beset with disappointments and usually misunderstood; yet peace all the same, undeviating, filled with joy and gratitude and love. ‘It is My own peace I give unto you. Not, notice, the world’s peace.”
Along my journey to God I have found that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” truly “will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7, NRSV). I pray that you also have found this truth.
Be You Very Well 
Jan 24, 2019 @ 18:24:50
Hi Sabryna. Thank you for your post. I tend to get swallowed up by anxiety and have to be aware that I am not resting in the peace that Jesus gives. For me it takes conscious effort to rest and not let the cares of life pull me down. Is this how it is for everyone, I wonder?
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Jan 24, 2019 @ 18:29:41
I can’t speak for others but because of my own struggles with anxiety, I can relate to what you’ve expressed. May we all grow in grace and become more grounded in the peace that God gives. Bless you!
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Jan 24, 2019 @ 20:59:06
What a “bedtime blessing” as I am just now seeing. Keep it up👍🏻🙏🏻💜☺️
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Jan 25, 2019 @ 09:48:16
Thanks for those words about pax Christos!
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