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Chapter 73: The Beginning of Perfection

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. There is no end. This is the excitement of the eternal, ever growing into the likeness of Christ.

Still, the pursuit of The Rule is beyond most of our grasp. We continue to pursue perfection in each of the short, but powerful chapters of Benedict’s gift to us. Life in community, shared by each of us who have committed to following these precepts, is life that is lived in communion with Christ. 

May every one of us be blessed by our Lord, be a blessing to one another, and shed the authentic light of Christ to a dark world in desperate need. Amen.

Danny Nobles

email: dan@christmission.us. I grew up in rural Alabama, the youngest of six boys. Inheriting values of faith and service to others from my parents. Connie and I met in Kansas. We married and raised two daughters. Today, 43 years later, we live in North Carolina and enjoy 7 grandchildren. Retired from the Army, I entered seminary and earned a PhD, studying the stresses faced by Christian leaders and ways of promoting their wellbeing. Seeking a different path of spiritual growth, I discovered the Order of St. Benedict, and found a community of faithful disciples who seek to be with our Lord more than trying to do Christianity. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? As I learned to pray contemplatively, it was as if my second lung began to breath. My life became less hectic and my soul found peace. To me, monastic spirituality is being with God in community. As we serve others, we realize that God is serving through us. My advice to others - seek to be with God rather than insisting on doing for God. As He fills you with Himself, He will do mighty things around (and sometimes through) you.