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 their craft. Finally, the fruit of their labor is to glorify God and bless others, rather than making profit.
God created all things, and he created mankind most like Himself creating the first man and woman “in His image.”[1]Being made in the likeness of the Creator, we are creative as well. As God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, He also gifted artisans to do the construction. Communities need people with the skill and passion for building beauty. Therefore, gifted people are recognized for their contributions. Through their gifting, God makes the transcendent visible, enshrining the beauty and adding wonder to our living spaces. However, artisans are cautioned to remain humble and truly give all credit to God for all things.
The temptation to claim credit for beauty is great, and this carries a seed of pride. That seed grows into a choking vine of self-value and conceit. Its fruits are classism and hunger for power. These are contrary to Benedictine spirituality. In fact, St. Benedict charges the community to disallow artisans to practice their skill should they begin to become puffed up by their craft. The value placed on their labor is not measured the way the world measures value.
Ananias and Sapphira are vivid examples of the consequences of cheating (Acts 5:1-11). St. Benedict warns us of the dangers of spiritual death stemming from fraudulent acts. The products of monastic artisans, if provided for sale, must always be more than fair. Profit is not the driving motivation of our work. Our gain is solely the glory of God. What is more valued than that?
We praise God that we have artist to enliven our world. Their skills are given by God Himself and He alone deserves the honor. The skills that He gives us are for the benefit of others and His glory. Like the child who sits on her father’s shoulder to see over the crowds, may we sit on our Father’s shoulders to see the beauty of His creation through us.
[1]Genesis 1:26-28.
