We don't know this elder monk's name. He would prefer to remain anonymous anyway. He is tucked into a small space — perhaps in chapel or in his cell. His psalm book is open on the stand. He is wearing a cuculla — the large garment that covers or wraps him during communal prayer. I wonder if the word cucoon is related. Life is found inside the butterfly's cocoon. The monk's life is found in the prayer. The monk knows himself. He doesn't wear masks.
On the Feast of the Lord's Epiphany — this feast of light — we might pray Bishop Kenneth Untener's prayer of self-knowledge before Christ the Light. This venerable monk would understand and be eager to stand with us in the prayer.
Free us, Jesus, from our inner Pharisee, from every inclination to self-righteousness, from every notion of being morally superior, from every tone of voice, every gesture or glance that could shame others or flatter ourselves. Let no cause, no matter how worthy, seduce us into idolizing ourselves or demonizing others. In a world where so many feel isolated and alone, let us be builders, not destroyers of bridges. Teach us how to admit and overcome our blind spots, so we do not punish others for our impaired vision.
