(3 of 3)
Is American monasticism's active involvement with the secular world spiritually wise? Because of the obvious benefits to the church as a whole, most abbots agree that it is; but they are aware of the need to keep St. Benedict's ora et labora (pray and work) in balance. "The great question in contemporary monasticism," says St. Anselm's Abbot Boultwood. "is precisely the seeking of this point of balance that unifies the contemplative and the active in monastic life. In reinforcing the element of contemplation . . . American monasticism may have a long way to travel yet, but it has the heart and vigor for the journey."