Endlessly Grateful Brother David Steindl-Rast

Remembering Br. David

Brother David – known first to the world as Franz–Steindl-Rast – held a particular teaching from the Rule of St. Benedict close to his heart, which he adopted around the time of his survival in WW II. “Keep death before your eyes daily,” St. Benedict instructed. For more than 80 years Br. David remained grounded in the inevitable and gave thanks for every day that was given to him for more than 97 years. 

Br. David was the first religious person given special dispensation from the Vatican to engage in Interfaith dialogue, preceding his friend and fellow monastic Thomas Merton. His work across cultures and faiths awakened a common theme: gratitude. Br. David was a scholar who possessed a mastery over language, making him a lover of words. His scholarship and ministry are grounded in radical inclusion, which gave Br. David an exceptional gift for speaking the truth directly, whether against “the power pyramid” that breeds fear and greed or the hierarchical nature of institutions that leave people behind. Br. David fiercely invited outcasts and those disenfranchised to the table, advocating for LGBTQ rights, women, and the healing remedies of psychedelics for those with PTSD. He was serious about the dignity bestowed on all people, and he understood that everyone belongs in our interconnected web of being. When he heard or read stories of someone doing evil, his response was: “They’re not good, yet.” He believed in our potential. Without ever denying the profound hardships of life – having survived the war and suffered from depression himself – he engaged in deep conversations on the ordinary and extraordinary, emphasizing the sacred in all things. Br. David was influenced by religious mystics and was one himself.

A pilgrim in life, Br. David saw every step as part of the spiritual journey. While surrounded by celebrities and those with power and privilege throughout many moments in his life – the many who flocked to him for insight and inspiration – his joy was found with those in the shadows, those seeking the holy and needing words and support to discover it. He embodied and role-modeled the playfulness and joy of a child’s heart, the earnest discipline of a monk, and the tender and endearing love of a mother. He was not afraid to show his humanity or vulnerability. His life, learnings, dialogues, teachings, and ministry created a movement in which you are invited to be fully alive, follow your bliss, and live gratefully. 

Br. David’s foundational teaching for grateful living is that “life is a gift,” and what a gift the life of Br. David Steindl-Rast is and will continue to be to the world.