Old Stuff

Benedict or Dominic?

Which way to go?

For the last couple of years I've been trying to figure out whether I should become a Benedictine oblate or a lay Dominican. Carmelite spirituality is not an issue; I thank God for their mystical gifts and their burning love, but their ways are not my ways. The Franciscans even more so.

I think the main elements of my spirituality are family, home, study, books and liturgy. It helps me to view family life and homeschooling in monastic, Benedictine terms: we try to be a small island of civilization saving what's left of our culture for future generations by way of prayer and work - ora et labora. On the other hand, study and books are stereotypical Dominican loves, as is passing on the fruits of one's contemplation, which is another aspect of homeschooling.

Both orders have a rich liturgical tradition.

Another Dominican point: John DaFiesole's blog is essential reading for me, and no art speaks to my spirit as does Fra Angelico's paintings and frescoes.

Another Benedictine point: I'm no John DaFiesole. When an original thought hits me, it's a rare occasion to celebrate. Rather than thinking up new insights, I seem to collect information and present it, which seems rather Benedictine to me. See my blog description: "A facility for quotation covers the absence of original thought." An aside: are there any Benedictine blogs?

To be sure, both orders have their wacked-out cereal bowls (fruits, nuts and flakes), but both are also blessed with solid and holy saints.

How does one discern such a vocation?