Some Episcopalians are unaware that, like our Roman Catholic friends, we also have religious orders – monastic communities in which Brothers and Sisters live out their lives under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, devoting their entire selves to God. One such community is only three hours away: The Community of the Transfiguration in Cincinnati, a women’s order that some of you have visited.
Another such community is The Society of St. John the Evangelist located in Cambridge,Massachusetts. The Brothers are described this way: “We are a community of men giving our whole selves over to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the ancient monastic traditions of prayer and community life, and critically engaged with contemporary culture, we seek to know and share an authentic experience of God’s love and mercy. We live a common life shaped by worship, prayer, and our Rule of Life” (from the SSJE website, https://www.ssje.org/).
Some such communities offer opportunities for lay and ordained people who are not called to monastic life to offer support to them by prayer, giving, and relationship; such friends receive prayer in return as they deepen their own lives in Christ through a Rule of Life – a set of spiritual disciplines that may include such practices as special prayer, confession, retreats, service to others, study, and worship. For the last dozen years or so, I have been an Associate of The Community of the Holy Spirit, a community of sisters based in New York. The circular pendant I wear is an emblem of that relationship.
This Sunday, you will have an opportunity to witness and participate in the induction of one of our members into The Fellowship of St. John the Evangelist, the community in the wider world in relationship with Brothers in the Society. Because the Brothers live at considerable distance from many of their Fellows, the home worshiping community is often gifted with the honor of providing the lovely liturgy that formalizes this new relationship. This will take place during our regular worship. During the liturgy, those who have had great influence in the spiritual formation of Izak McKenzie will stand with him as he commits himself to deeper relationship with Christ through this new relationship with St. John’s brothers. Don’t miss it!
Wishing you every blessing,
Mtr. TJ