Monasticism as a bridge between East and West and their common heritage

Abstract

Monasticism, so long as it lives on charity, instinctively throws bridges over many a gulf and bleeding wound. In practice, however, it itself not seldom turns out to be a drawbridge, facilitating communication just as readily as abruptly interrupting it. The problem becomes particularly acute when monasticism is considered as a heritage. In order to ensure their offspring a good start in life parents usually exert themselves to death so as to bequeath them an accumulation of riches, little realizing how quickly a friendship, and even family ties, can falter over an inheritance. So, granted that monasticism is often indicated as one of the common factors inherited from the Undivided Church, there remains the nagging question: but will the inheritors quarrel over their good fortune?