Today we celebrate the feast of the founder of the first Carthusian monastery: St. Bruno of Cologne. He was born in Cologne about the year 1035. Being educated at Paris, after ordination to the priesthood, he taught theology. However, Bruno desired a solitary life and to that end he founded the first Carthusian monastery in 1080! It was for both monks and nuns and was ruled by its own "Statutes" rather than the Rule of St. Benedict which was common for most monasteries. When called upon by Pope Urban II, he aided the pontiff meeting the needs of the Church. He died at Squillace in Calabria in 1101.
The readings today fittingly describe the desires and goals of the monastic life: to come to the knowledge of Jesus and the power of his resurrection, so that – as a result of living a life of virtue and hope – there will be a merited crown of happiness awaiting the ones who keep the monastic rule (which is none other than the rule of the Gospel).
Jesus says in the gospel passage that setting your sights on him and knowledge of him will require single-mindedness and purity of intention. The many distractions and excuses that may come the way of the monk, nun or Christian at large need to be dealt with and dismissed so that we may all may follow very closely in the footsteps of Jesus – which become more and more visible and clear to those who delight in the law of loving service – as Jesus promised it would!
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord.
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