In This House of Brede

by Rumer Godden

We do not engage in works outside our monastery, For we have chosen to live in silence and concentration At the hidden springs, the deepest level Where the struggle is enacted between the powers of good and evil. Where our union with Christ bears fruit for all mankind …

We have chosen a stillness more powerful than all activity. A detachment more fulfilling than all possession, A wisdom exceeding all knowledge And a love beyond all.

‘And you needn’t worry about being useful,’ said Dame Ursula. ‘When you have become God’s in the measure He wants, He, Himself, will know how to bestow you on others.’ She was quoting St Basil. Then her face grew wistful, ‘“Unless He prefer, for thy greater advantage, to keep thee all to himself.” That does happen to a few people. Yet, paradoxically, they have the greatest influence.’

‘Yes, because what is really apostolic, what really speeds God’s glory,’ said Dame Ursula, ‘is not the time given to work but the holiness of the worker.’