The Cloister – Celtic Advent (Part Three)
Episode Three
Introducing Brother Cassian (David Cole)
David Cassian Cole, or Brother Cassian, is the Founder and Executive Director of Waymark Ministries CIC. He is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader; he has lectured in Christian and Bible Colleges; he is an award winning author of seven books including Celtic Lent, Celtic Advent, The Celtic Year and Celtic Saints for BRF. He is the UK ‘Deputy Guardian’ for The Community of Aidan and Hilda – a globally dispersed Celtic New Monastic Community.
Books to Delve Deeper
Crafting a Rule of Life
By Stephen Macchia
In this episode Br Cassian discusses the benefits of creating a personal ‘Rule of Life’. In January on the podcast we will be joined by Stephen Macchia author of ‘Crafting a Rule of Life’ who will be taking us through how to craft our own personal rule of life.
Your personal rule of life is a holistic description of the Spirit-empowered rhythms and relationships that create, redeem, sustain and transform the life God invites you to humbly fulfill for Christ’s glory. All of us have an unwritten personal rule of life. We wake at certain times, get ready for our days in particular ways, use our free time for assorted purposes and practice rhythms of work, hobbies, and worship. There is already a rule in place that you are following. Isn?t it time to give up your unwritten rule and prayerfully write one that more closely matches the heartbeat of God? In this practical workbook Stephen A. Macchia looks to St. Benedict as a guide for discovering your own rule of life in community. It is a process that takes time and concerted effort; you must listen to God and discern what he wants you to be and do for his glory. But through the basic disciplines of Scripture, prayer and reflection in a small group context you will be lead forward in a journey toward Christlikeness. The invitation is transformational, so brace yourself for sweet release. By letting go and trusting God, you will receive the gift of life in its fullest and richest form.
Anam Cara
By John O’Donahue
In this episode Br Cassian also shares about the importance of having and being an ‘Anam Cara’ or soul friend.
In this text, the author uses the Celtic vision of life as a means to examine the landscape of the soul. Informed by the Celtic mystical tradition “Anam Cara” (which means soul friend) re-examines the contemporary perception of spirituality and argues that instead of seeking to satisfy our spiritual hunger on an everlasting journey of exploration that will uncover every riddle, every mystery, we should seek to gain an understanding that the soul lies within us always. It is ever present and ever ready to dispense peace and wisdom to enhance our life experience. Using the ancient Celtic reverence for the spirit of all things and the celebration of the continuous mysteries of everyday existence which survive to this day. O’Donohue traces the cycle of life and nature, shares secrets from a world where the Fates are not feared, blending philosophy, instruction, and spiritual insight.
