A Day at the Monastery

A rooster wakes me up at dawn and then there are morning prayers that strengthen and support my affirmation to God.  When I am done talking to God, I go downstairs to have breakfast with the other monks.  I belong to the order of Benedictine monks‎, and we are Catholics.  We are a solitary group who practice self-discipline and avoid all forms of indulgence, so we live alone or with the other monks.  Our sole purpose is glorifying God in all things, so I was shocked this morning when I saw Fridugisus at the breakfast table saying how much he is irritated by being woke up by that rooster every day and that we should find a way to kill it.  I told him that it would be more annoying if we had a dog that was barking nonstop, or if we lived in the city and were awakened at all hours by the sounds of traffic and sirens.  I told Fridugisus that I see God in the rooster and by seeing God everywhere this can help us to make profound changes in the world around us.

If we didn’t have this lovely rooster that likes to crow at dawn, then we would probably be woken up by alarm clocks and this is much more natural.  He is just telling us that he is awake and that it is time for us to wake up, so we should never wish him any harm, as he is one of God’s creatures.  I told Fridugisus that I happen to think that our rooster has a beautiful crow and I look forward to hearing it every morning.  Fridugisus looked at me like I was crazy, and he said, “I wonder what a rooster tastes like, because I am tired of eating chicken.”  The fun never ends here in the monastery, and it is still just 5 o’clock in the morning.

Written for KL Caley’s Thursday Write Photo – Priory – Image by KL Caley.