Invisible

 One of the beautiful and counter-cultural aspects of monastic life is their care for the elderly.  Not so in the post-modern world.  If you are not a consumer or a productive worker, you can easily be forgotten and ignored.  Or you become a “burden.”  In a monastery and Mother Houses of Religious Orders, the elderly are sacred.  They have acquired wisdom in lifestyle and manner.  They are precious to have around.  They know history.  They know the pratfalls of becoming a monk or nun or sister.  They may become a bit forgetful, but they never forget stories filled with whim, humor and acceptance.  Such a group culture is not filled with prophets.  It is a prophetic community.