FROM MARTYRDOM TO MONASTICISM

What is martyrdom and why was it considered the best form of discipleship?

CHANGES IN SOCIETY Martyrdom was the model of

discipleship Once Christianity was legal, people

began moving into the desert: If everybody’s Christian, who takes it

seriously? Live a more radical Christian lifestyle

What Biblical stories might give people a calling to move to the desert?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGES THAT WOULD LEAD PEOPLE INTO THE DESERT

Jesus 40 days in desert (Mk1:11-13) Man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work Jesus going off in private to pray. (Mt 14:13; 14:23; 17:1; 20:17; Mk 6:30) Pray without ceasing. You are in the world, but not of the world. Do not conform yourself to the present generation. Early Christian Communities – all things in common, breading of bread

and Praying in temple area – Acts 2:44-46 Give away everything and follow me. Example of John the Baptist

REVIEW What did you learn about discipleship

from the martyrdom model of discipleship in the early Church?

MONKS Monos (Gr.) “alone” –

gone apart to be one with God into desert Anchoritic – solitary monks seeking

God, or communities of hermits Cenobitic – groups of monks

This became the norm, as men and women quickly found that communal life (prayer, Sacraments, advice, example) was vital to living a Christian life.

PRACTICES OF EARLY DESERT MONKS Prayer/Contemplation – contemplation of God was main goal Psalms & Scripture– used psalms as the basis for prayer - Psalter Sacraments – participate in Sacraments & were under authority of a local bishop – fought against many heresies of the day. Community Support/Guidance –formed through advice of elders –

humility and attentiveness to older monks was necessary. Ascetic lifestyle – simple lifestyle, renouncing goods of this world,

celibate. Gave up good things for something greater: God. Work – necessary for survival, but not for monetary gain. Fasting – to have control over body, lessen passions.

food as metaphor for sin – enters into our body and changes us – need to be aware

MAJOR FIGURES IN EARLY WESTERN MONASTICISM

Anthony – born 251 first of the fathers, moved to desert around 270 or 300 Exemplar of anchoritic monastic life

Pachomius (330AD) – early community of monks in Egypt

Cassian (late 4th century) traveled to many monasteries throughout Empire and

recorded the life and wisdom of various desert fathers (Abba Moses, Paphnutius, Issac)

Benedict – wrote a rule for monastic life compiled from other monks,

which became the standard for monastic life.

READING DESERT FATHERS AND MOTHERS Slow Down! Reflect! Lectio Divina – divine reading

Allow room for God to speak through the text.

Read for wisdom, not information.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER How does this reflect my life &

experiences? How does it challenge me and offer

new direction? What must I do differently to put this

into practice? Write a ¾ page reflection to be turned

in and discussed. Read article 17 in the textbook.

REVIEW What did you learn about discipleship

from the monastic (monk) model of discipleship in the Church?