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Don Myrick & Ron Dicks |
On a sweltering hot Ottawa morning, Saturday, June 7, I listlessly trekked over to the Bronson Centre to join 24 other meditators (of which half were lay Oblates) for an “Oblate Open House”. Benedictine Oblates play a key role in supporting the World Community for Christian Meditation.
After a short introduction, we meditated, and my mind and spirit started to focus in a new way. It almost felt as if the heat no longer really mattered. Something more significant, more central, was taking place. After the meditation we prayed together the Benedictine “mid-day” prayer and then listened to a recorded talk of John Main.
Don Myrick, the Canadian Oblate Coordinator, spoke about what it means to be an Oblate and described the evolution of Benedictine Oblates from within the Christian Meditation community. The late John Main was the catalyst for this fellowship of meditators in the Christian tradition. Thanks to his efforts and his vision, a small seed that he planted years ago has grown into a mighty tree with branches all over the world.
For some time I had been wondering about the Oblate way of life. I had even toyed with the idea of becoming one. I would always, however, come up with myriad objections: Am I disciplined enough? Is it too onerous a commitment? Am I too old? Is my meditation practice solid enough?
An Oblate of our Community, along with their daily meditation practice, prays morning and evening “Office” and does “lectio divina” or spiritual reading. An Oblate promises to serve God and the Community in the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict, which encompasses “obedience, stability and conversion”.
Don gradually helped us to understand that the commitment required need not be overwhelming. Oblates don’t promise to be perfect – they resolve to do their best to live according to the Benedictine tradition, within the parameters of their own particular life. The Holy Spirit can help with the rest.
A highlight of the Open House was the final oblation ceremony for Ron Dicks. Ron spoke about his own journey towards becoming an Oblate, a journey marked by a deep sincerity and compassion. He shared with us a hymn that brought us all together in a spirit of unity.
This spirit of unity, this sense of shared peace had an impact on me that I carried with me for the rest of the day. I was inspired to stand back and re-examine where I have been in my life and where I may choose to go from here. I still don’t know whether I will become an Oblate, but I felt that it was something that I could do, if the Spirit called me and I chose to respond.
A day that had begun with a fiery sun overhead had ended for me with the stoking of another kind of fire completely.
For Reta Hamilton, the Oblate Open House was community come to life:
“As I witnessed the final promise of Ron Dicks—‘listening with the ear of the heart’, as St. Benedict instructs—I relived my own oblation. It is a journey that continues daily—one of learning and of trying to be of service to the Community.
“As we talked over refreshments afterwards, I was comforted by the fact that some of the challenges and graces I experienced on the path were also shared by others. The sense of isolation I sometimes feel was lifted by this sharing in community.
“Conversion for me is a minute-by-minute experience that brings challenge and awareness of just how far I have come and how far I have yet to go since this journey began. Meditation brings a sense of calm and peace; days are less frenetic and more joyful.
“Gifts are placed within each of us by the Holy Spirit. Amazing graces follow when we respond through listening and sharing those gifts. These were my thoughts as I made my final promise—true then and still true three years later.”
David Martin
I stand eyes downward cast
Listening as two preceded me
Uncertain, nervous – wondering how I will fulfill this promise?
The answer sweeps through my heart
Strong, clear and reassuring
“With my help – for I will never leave you”.
Days will come and go – good, bad or indifferent according to worldly standards
O Lord forgive my transgressions and failures
I humbly ask for strength and grace each day to continue this journey that you have revealed.
Ending if You will it – safe within your compassionate and Sacred Heart.
Poem by Rita Hamilton