Oblates of WCCM continue their twice-daily commitment to Christian meditation, as well as practice lectio divina, read the Rule of Benedict, and say some part of the Divine Office as their circumstances permit. Becoming familiar with the writings of John Main, OSB, and Laurence Freeman, OSB, is also central to the path.
Experience of community characterizes the Oblate life. First, we experience how the practice of meditation creates community. Secondly, Oblates experience a sense of calling towards their monastically-inspired community-within-community, sharing mutual support, encouragement and spiritual friendship with others on the Oblate path. Thirdly, Oblates give back to WCCM by serving its mission to teach Christian Meditation in the spirit of unity of all.
Oblation within WCCM is a commitment to ever-deepening discernment of life in Christ — through the practice of Christian Meditation as taught by John Main, OSB, and guided by the Benedictine wisdom tradition. The Oblate path is not highly programmatic, but an enhancement of the contemplative and creative rhythms which meditation fosters.
Please find further information about the Oblate Path Booklet can be found here: https://oblates.wccm.org/v2019/readings-and-resources/the-oblate-path/
Steps to Oblation
1 Be committed as a twice-daily Christian meditator as taught by John Main. Consider if you discern the personal transformation begun by this practice, and a call to deepening that process through the Benedictine wisdom tradition.
2 Speak to any WCCM Oblates that you know, and visit a WCCM Oblate cell meeting if there is one nearby. Also, get in touch with the National Coordinator, and make an expression of your interest in the Oblate path.
3 After an initial encouraging conversation, expect to take about six weeks to consider if this path if for you. During this time, read Monastics in the World, by Laurence Freeman, OSB, and Community of Love, by John Main, OSB. (This will be the beginning of an ongoing engagement with these and other writings, if you continue on the Oblate Path.