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Chapter 52 – The Oratory of the Monastery

The idea of sacred space is lost in many corners of contemporary society. The clamor that “God is everywhere!” is true. However, often there seems to be a shadow message subtly proclaiming that God is nowhere. This may strike readers as harsh. You may recoil to argue against the suggestion. However, I ask you to pause. Is your protest evidence that denying God sacred space is common place in our culture, even in the Church.

For Benedict, the oratory was a space to be dedicated for a single purpose. That purpose was communion with God. Not a multi-purpose room, not a place of storage, not a place for anything except communion with God. Reverence was bestowed upon the space. Enter and depart, silenced by the awe of God’s presence.

The oratory was inviting space for a brother or sister to come in privately and pray. It is a place where one may be brought to their knees. As Isaiah said, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” When we come in the presence of God, we realize our true self and utter dependency on the LORD. As our true self, we discover God’s grace and mercy.

Danny Nobles

email: dan@christmission.us. I grew up in rural Alabama, the youngest of six boys. Inheriting values of faith and service to others from my parents. Connie and I met in Kansas. We married and raised two daughters. Today, 43 years later, we live in North Carolina and enjoy 7 grandchildren. Retired from the Army, I entered seminary and earned a PhD, studying the stresses faced by Christian leaders and ways of promoting their wellbeing. Seeking a different path of spiritual growth, I discovered the Order of St. Benedict, and found a community of faithful disciples who seek to be with our Lord more than trying to do Christianity. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? As I learned to pray contemplatively, it was as if my second lung began to breath. My life became less hectic and my soul found peace. To me, monastic spirituality is being with God in community. As we serve others, we realize that God is serving through us. My advice to others - seek to be with God rather than insisting on doing for God. As He fills you with Himself, He will do mighty things around (and sometimes through) you.