Studying With Bede Griffiths

Studying with Bede Griffiths was an amazing experience. The experience was more than just conversations; it was a transformative journey. Here's how it unfolded:

Every evening, he would give a lecture from four o'clock to five o'clock. This would typically consist of a 45-minute talk, followed by a question-and-answer session. His responses to questions were remarkable, as they revealed the underlying theology and understanding that he had accumulated over a five-year period, which really became part of us.

In the evenings, during evening prayer, the Gospel reading for the next day's Mass was shared, specifically from the New Testament. He would then provide commentary, usually focusing on a reading from the letters of St. Paul. The next morning, he would deliver a sermon on the Gospel, skillfully connecting it to the commentary from the previous evening. This process created a cohesive spiritual experience, especially considering the mental space he provided and the overall lifestyle and atmosphere.

At 10 o'clock, we would participate in our monastic formation, which emphasized the monastic tradition. This was just one aspect of our daily routine. Another important part involved the books we read. I had the opportunity to engage in afternoon readings, where he would recommend books that interested him, such as "Original Blessing." These readings would often become integral to our conversations and would also influence the topics covered in the four o’clock lectures and evening commentary. Thus, there were numerous connections made throughout each day and week.

Today is Bede's birthday! Asha and I express deep gratitude for knowing him so intimately.

In One Spirit,

Russill