Making Connections Between Monasticism and Social Distancing

Ms. Shannon Berry's sophomore religion class is studying monasticism, which provided a nice jumping off point to reflect upon and discuss social distancing. She asked her students to try to make connections between the isolation and self-discipline of monasticism and the social distancing they are practicing now in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some of their responses:

"We can see our work as prayer because we think and contemplate on it while we are in isolation, much like the monks. To approach our work as a prayer would mean we have to think deeply about our answers and really try to understand the reason behind the in-class work and the homework we are assigned."

"I realized that silence can be the best thing you can say; silence is very therapeutic and it allows you to go deep in thought."

"Work is prayer because in both you put the effort in to try to reach something, whether it be the completion of that work or a closer relationship with God. To approach work as a kind of prayer is to go in with a different mindset, which can help you complete it well and efficiently."

"One way to see our work as prayer is by looking at the creations of God. Every time we create an assignment or project for school, we can attempt to see the works of God through that assignment."

"I am learning about myself in isolation through God by listening for a sign or vocation from God. This isolation has given me the chance to figure out what I want to do in life and how I am going to get there. I have learned that I can always improve my relationship with God and talk to him about anything."

"I am learning a lot about myself -- I am not used spending this much time by myself and not leaving one area. It has helped me see how it doesn't matter where I am, that I will always be myself."

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