City a Desert Lecture Series, Lecture One: Introduction to Interiorized Monasticism

INTRODUCTION TO INTERIORIZED MONASTICISM Interiorized Monasticism and Ascetic Ideal: • Obscured: Out of reach to majority. • Revealed: Fundamental principle of life in Christ. Eschatological Dimensions: Obscured: Life cut off from the world or world cut off from life of the kingdom. Revealed: Incarnation and kingdom of God present; Kingdom within through gift of the Spirit (active eschatology, touching every aspect of the world; living now in light of the End). Beauty Saves the World: Obscured: Culture as cult, autonomous from God and guided by sensibilities of the age. Revealed: Rediscovery of culture through the beauty of holiness. Jesus is the Holy One - the most beautiful of the sons of men. He is the perfect icon, manifesting God unveiled. The Monastic Ideal: Obscured: Return to the ancient forms of monastic ascesis. Revealed: Internalized. The human psyche is renewed from within. Five Fundamental Elements of Interiorized Monasticism (Upcoming Lectures): • Prayer • Eschatological Maximalism • Poverty • Chastity • Obedience