“Keep them from evil”

              “Open yourself to all that is human and you will find that every vain desire to escape from the world disappears. Be present to your age; adapt yourself to the conditions of the moment. Father, I pray you not to take them out of the world, but to keep them from evil.”—Father Roger

              It may seem a little funny that I quote the head of a monastery as an example of sending, but the attitude expressed in the above quote exemplifies a faithful way to exist for our neighbors, whoever they are. Be present with them, in the time and place that we find ourselves in. Learn to understand and even love the world, not to rescue it and drag it away to some far-off place where a pure, unsoiled life can be lived, but to be salt and light—to preserve what is good, season it to be what it is, and to heal what needs the disinfecting that sunlight brings—here!

              And you should see the fruits of the Taizé community Father Roger led. Not only has it produced a songbook of sacred music that has shaped the faith of millions, but it also draws young folk from throughout Europe and beyond, who would never have considered spiritual reflection or engagement with religious ideas—save that they heard about this quirky and kind monastery, founded as a place to hide refugees from Nazi German; it is a place where you can be and become.