Calling is a word that we often hear in Christian circles. Some are convicted of their “call” and others are waiting for clarity of their “call.” I often find myself in the second camp. Still others confuse call with their personal dreams, plans, and desires. Certainly, calling is compelling and…
The Rule ends here. However, The Rule recognizes this is not the end. If one can live a life structured by the scaffolding of these precepts, then that person is postured to discover deeper and higher truths. Our vows of cruciform conversion recognize the infinite progress of our walk with God.…
In contrast to good zeal, there is bad zeal. Untamed energy can be destructive. Often, untamed (perhaps undisciplined) zeal can lash out and damage others. Even when the zeal seeks to promote a worthy cause, it can be damaging to relationships and injurious to people. Here again, social media offers…
The Holy Rule of Saint Benedict is filled with wisdom and compassion. It is firmly grounded in the precepts of Holy Scripture. However, the closing chapters of The Rulecontain a particularly sweet spirit of tenderness. The lesson that is set before us in this chapter is a lesson of blessing. Perhaps…
This chapter may cause us to laugh or gasp. We cannot imagine a community where the leader gives permission to hit one another. We are far too civilized for such behavior. Maybe we have discovered other ways to injure one another in less perceptible ways. Sometimes we recognize that brothers…
This is a challenging chapter of The Rule. Holy Scripture teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves. The only area that Saint Benedict promotes us to compete in our zeal toward one another and in obedience to one another (RB 72). However, before he encourages us to show preference to one…
Saint Benedict’s wisdom and gentleness shine through his instruction in this chapter. We are sometimes given a task that appears too monumental to be able to accomplish. Our first response may be to confess defeat before even attempting the assignment. Our response may be to complain and grumble about being…
This is a longer comment than given to many of the chapters of The Rule. The nature of our community warrants greater attention be given to journey. As a dispersed congregation, we are on perpetual journey. We cannot escape the necessity to venture out from the safety of our small community…
One translation of The Rule offers, “A wise old monk should be stationed at the gate of the monastery. He should know how to listen to people and also how to speak to them.”[1] The final specified role of the community is the Porter. Rather than focusing on the age…
The Rule offers a thorough counsel to the community regarding the abbot. This chapter marks a shift of attention to other roles in the community. First, it considers the role of prior. Prior means “first” and is intended to serve as an extension of the abbot. As an extension of…
Chapter 2 describes the qualities of an Abbot and this chapter discusses the election of this leader. These are very sobering instructions to be considered by the community in general, and specifically the one considered for Abbot. The spiritual wellbeing of all concerned rests upon wise discernment for this election.…
Perhaps one of the most challenging chapters, as well as one of the most critical, is this instruction concerning rank. Throughout The Rule, our blessed saint illustrates the importance of humility and equality. No one is more important than another. So, what is the place of rank in our community? This chapter…
In Chapter 60, St. Benedict discusses the reception of a priest who desires to entire the monastic community. Priestly ministry in a parish is very different from living as a priest in our community. The necessity for living in humility and under authority is ever before the monastic. In a…
For more than 30 years, I served in the military. Among the many things I learned during that time was the peace one gains from the familiar. As I traveled from one base to another, there was a since of belonging. Regardless of where I went, there were common facilities…
Saint Benedict sits before us another sensitive topic, once concerned with receiving priests into the community. One powerful lesson that we learn from St. Benedict is the importance of clear communications and understanding expectations prior to accepting anyone into the community. While this may appear contrary to our charge for…
Perhaps this is one of the more challenging chapters of The Ruleto properly apply to our contemporary age, especially in a community dispersed in the larger society. Still, there are lessons for our community. Granted, we do not receive children to raise them in the walls of a monastery as our…
Our beloved Saint Benedict makes a clear distinction between hospitality and receiving new members into the community. Visitors are to be welcomed guests. They benefit from the fruits of the communal norms, receiving compassion, nourishment, and rest. While guests receive from the community, they receive from what is available. They…
Of all the chapters in The Rule, perhaps this chapter is most striking in its opposition to the ways of the culture around us. There are three points encountered in this chapter. First is the recognition of craftsmen and women. Second, there is the admonishing of artisans to remain humble in…
The abbot’s role is that of a loving father, a servant leader, an icon of hospitality and way of living that inspires the community to grow more and more into the image of Christ. This image of the abbot is the backdrop of the description of the abbot’s table. While…
In the sixth century, as in modern society, class distinctions were used to protect the privileges of some at the expense of others. Even the most basic needs of food and clothing present opportunity to highlight the distinction between classes of people. However, St. Benedict sought community where all were…
Social standing, whether based on race, gender, caste, education, or anything else lends opportunity to elitism. However, community built on the wisdom of St. Benedict’s Rule is a community of equals. Sixth century Roman culture exuded elitist values. Those who joined a monastic community would bring the seeds of “personal…