INHERITANCE
Living in a monastic community for the past thirty years I am very conscious of my monastic inheritance. This is very obviously visible in the material culture of the monastery, in its wall hangings, icons and vestments. The design of our oratory too speaks of our monastic and ecclesiological inheritance. Less obvious, but every bit as important, is the inheritance that is preserved in our monastic customs and the way in which we order our daily lives. It is a rich inheritance.
In 1 Peter we are reminded that through our new birth in Christ we are assured of our inheritance. This is not a tangible thing that we can pack and store, but the promise of eternal life. The inevitable suffering and trials of this life won’t alter or diminish our inheritance in any way. The challenge of this text is for us to live in such a way that we embody this promise.
Eastertide invites us to take time to contemplate our true identity in Christ and to give thanks for all that we have inherited.
How can you celebrate your inheritance this Eastertide?
(1 Peter 1:3-4, Second Sunday of Easter, A)