I was in France last week, and we had the opportunity to (re)visit Mont Saint Michel. The spectacular abbey perched on top of an imposing tidal island is a world heritage site visited by millions of tourists each year, so we were hardly alone. But underneath all of the sightseeing and selfie-taking, there is a deeper spiritual heartbeat waiting for those ready to discover it.
The abbey is a shadow of its former self, but a small monastic community was re-established there in 2001 and cultivates a rhythm of prayer and contemplation. In a courtyard near the main gate were seven information graphics, exploring the values of contemplation, prayer, welcome, remaining, crossing over, pilgrimage, and experiencing. It was all somehow familiar, and deeply resonant with the journey God is leading us on as the OMS. If the traditional religious orders are one of the ‘four wells’ from which we draw, then there is living water still at Mont Saint Michel.
I could reflect on all seven of the values (and I’ll probably come back to them), but let’s start with Contemplation. The summary read:
How can one fail to admire the beauty of the bay and the feats of the abbey’s builders? The splendour of nature and the marvel of the Mount lead the monks to contemplate the Creator and give thanks for His goodness. Beauty elevates the soul and makes it receptive to the divine presence. At the Mount, whether we are monks, priests, pilgrims, or tourists, we all become contemplatives.
I love the combination of depth and inclusion that the writer manages to achieve. This is a community that gives its life to the contemplation of Christ, yet somehow manages to make that invitation open to all. May I be both a recipient of that invitation, and one who in turn extends it to everyone I encounter.
Viv(r)e le Mont!