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…