This Poem was Submitted By: Paul R Lindenmeyer On Date: 2005-03-07 19:11:38 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!To Listen to Music While Reading this Poem, just Click Here!
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Monastic Surrender Not abandonment
of self,
or aggrandizement
of ego.
A realization
of debt
by the spirit,
requiring internal
absolution,
demanding as pennance
not surrender
but consecration of will. |
|
Copyright © March 2005 Paul R Lindenmeyer
Additional Notes:
Written in thanks to all the Cistercians at New Melleray Abbey, Ia. for a wondrous retreat.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Joanne M Uppendahl On Date: 2005-04-03 14:07:58
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dear Paul:
In light of recent developments in the world, your poem is more than timely.
My reading of Thomas Merton has made given me a new way to contemplate the
subject of which you write with such reverence here. Consecration implies
so much more than surrender, a giving up which can signal appeasement. But
consecration alludes to a commitment made with ardor and enthusiasm. One
which carries over from the retreat into life, lived daily. What is will,
but the only thing we have to give back to the One Who grants it? Much to
meditate upon in this 'little poem' with big effects, at least for this
reader. That there is no 'I' in the poem underscore its humility.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
As always,
Joanne
This Poem was Critiqued By: Tony P Spicuglia On Date: 2005-03-22 15:09:34
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.37500
Paul, I speak with you in the appreciation of those dedicated to higher values. I have spent time at Monserrat, Torremolinos, and several Franciscan sites in Italy, and the dedication and giving attitudes always overwhelmed me.
As you, in Torremolinos, there is a dedicated group whose entire life is dedicated to the less fortunate, where to be a part, is to give of yourself completely.
Monastic Surrender
Not abandonment
of self,
or aggrandizement
of ego. – I think with these lines you put to rest the “typical” description of what one who is dedicated to “god and service”, really are. The fact that you used “not abandonment of self” is telling, for the reverse is, “they know themselves better” than most who are not so dedicated would.
A realization
of debt
by the spirit,
requiring internal
absolution, - You speak freely of the “debt” those chosen feel they have for the spiritual, theological and internal needs of the “universal”. That they feel the requirement, at least in service or initially, of absolution, puts that requirement directly on the rest of us, who complain about far less, and yet grant service that is “telling”.
demanding as pennance (penance)
not surrender
but consecration of will. – The consecration of the will, a penance that is really a misnomer, for in that penance comes the “consecration”, that is, the purity of service for God.
Paul, this is a well done, descriptive piece, on what allows those in the service, to sing with joy. Excellent.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2005-03-15 20:22:08
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 8.25000
Paul,
Your writings are like a wake up/fly right call.
It's quite a gift to attend a retreat and then share what you learned!
It's probably a great diary type reminder for you also.
Setting your will appart for the good of God.......how can a message be any greater?
I always thought surrender to the will but consecrate is something I must chew on.
thank you....
Your poem was clear and yet esoteric.
The title apropo/although monostatic wasn't necessary to be in it.
good job/great message,
dellena
This Poem was Critiqued By: Turner Lee Williams On Date: 2005-03-10 12:33:26
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Paul--Absolutely nothing wrong with attending any setting which allows or guide one to
reflect, meditate, purge and get in touch with nature/spirits/inner self, etc. It appears
that your self-searching/forgiving and conscious rasing has paved the way for better
use of the gift of FREE WILL we humans are blessed/cursed with-smile. This piece is all
about redemption! Another sagacious and terse post. Keep them coming. TLW
This Poem was Critiqued By: arnie s WACHMAN On Date: 2005-03-09 17:29:16
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.00000
I know from where you speak. I have been on three retreats. The last one too long ago. It was at
a monestary west of Calgary. The last one was hard as no words were allowed to be spoken (for 5
days!). They were Monks and I don't know from which order. There was one wonderful Monk that
was an astronomy buff. He even had a constellation named after him. He'd set up his equipment as soon
as it got dark. It was only there that we could talk, but only of the stars, etc. He taught, and
we listened. He was also a professor at the U. of Calgary. He played Chopin on a tape recorder
while we looked at the heavens.
It was "heavenly." You wrote about this succinctly, and so well and the last 3 lines really
struck home. Thanks for allowing me to remember, and to gain some insight into yourself.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2005-03-09 08:14:12
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
good structure, word flow, feelings and emotions, the feeling of letting one's self go in order that the spirit of the Lord may be allowed to work within.....that is at times the hardest thing to do....free will and all......I am pleased that your retreat was good for you....went once and it was just okay, too many negative people involved I guess.......another story for another time.....thanks for posting and sharing with us....I always enjoy your poetry and the spiritual journey it takes me on......God Bless, Claire
This Poem was Critiqued By: Sean Donaghy On Date: 2005-03-08 15:04:56
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Nicely described event that few really know of. The sweet solitude experienced
while on a religious retreat is a healing, deeply spiritual thing. Your poem does well
in bringing that picture and feeling to the reader.
(Typo?: Penance...one "n")
Thank you
Sean
This Poem was Critiqued By: Nancy Ann Hemsworth On Date: 2005-03-08 09:57:34
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
I could feel through your words your spritual experience through this journey. So many think that this would be a negative experience of self, but instead very much the differ I would imagine. Powerful experience, described here with powerful words. Thanks for sharing this.
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