I have reflected on a recently read comment, “People will no longer let us script their spiritual journey, but they will let us help shape it.” As I visit people in times of pain and fear, that statement resounds in their attitudes toward spiritual care. They are far more open to sharing their feelings shaped by their explorations and experiences than to have someone “preach” to them with preconceived answers that fail to address their questions. They often invite us to follow them on their journey, perhaps even walk alongside, but platitudes and dogmatic answers are not welcomed in their conversations. So, how then can The Rule of St. Benedict (often simply noted as The Rule) be relevant to this age? What is its usefulness to a culture that appears to abandon reason for feelings? Who is interested in a rule book that was written in the collapse of sixth century Rome?
By attempting find answers to these questions, I want to share something of the importance that The Rule is becoming in my spiritual walk. Perhaps readers can relate. If so, you are invited to walk alongside of me as we are formed by the spirituality of generations of church mothers and fathers who have left well-worn paths for us to find our way to deeper relationship with God Himself; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We live in a time where feelings are strongly emphasized. Some, including myself, have criticized others for seeking to satisfy their feelings rather than critically, or rationally thinking. However, we were created as feeling beings. The writer of Proverbs warns us to be cautious of the motives of others, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (23:7, KJV) Thinking with the heart is thought from emotions, or doing what one feels. Jesus taught how to discern my feelings. He simply said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Feelings are real and important, just as important as critical thought. Our feelings are God-given blessings that need nurture and protection. Healthy feelings also need safe environments to grow. The Rule provides a structure for safe environments in community.
Benedict wrote his Regula (now known as the Rule of St. Benedict) around 529AD. In Latin, regula means yardstick. His title provides insight into his purpose for composing his work. Perhaps it offers insight into its relevance to generations for nearly 1,500 years. I usually consider rules as a list of do’s and don’ts. Rules contain a checklist to accomplish. Rules are rigid reminders of behaviors that must be followed. Rules are synonymous with laws. There are elements in laws to obey so that we avoid punishment. However, when I view The Rule of St. Benedict as regula, or a measuring stick, then I appreciate The Rule as a map that offers to guide me on my journey through growing relationships with others in shared community, as well as with Christ who is the ultimate guide leading me to relationship with God. Benedict did not create a dogmatic set of rigid regulations, all of which must be kept in full compliance from the beginning to the end of life. He offered us a road map to follow, a chart to measure growth, and a journal of life that fosters authentic communities of joy.
From the opening prologue of The Rule, Benedict encourages the reader to “Listen carefully, my child, to my instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” His writings are works of feelings. Feelings that are informed by practices so that, “The labor of obedience will bring you back to God…” The disciplines of the heart strengthen my will, my spirit, “once and for all, and armed with the strong and noble weapons of obedience to do battle for Jesus, the Christ.” This is a different message than false promises of empty treasures offered by every corner of modern guides. Benedict offers a lifeline connected through faith to the hope in God that never fails. His roadmap reciprocates God’s love for us by loving God in return. Like a compassionate trainer, Benedict encourages by writing, “Let us get up then…” A wise spiritual guide was asked, “Is there life after death?” He replied, “The great spiritual question is not ‘Is there life after death’? The great spiritual question is, ‘Is there life before death?’” Benedict provides us with a yardstick to measure the quality of life. He offers spiritual wisdom to practice daily living that promotes satisfied life. He describes a rhythm of living in community with others, work to satisfy our God-like nature to create, study to anchor our feelings in truth, and prayer to commune with God.
Over the next several months, I hope to journey through each of the seventy-three chapters of The Rule. My intent is to examine how to practically live into The Rule in open community, without the advantage of a cloistered society. How can I apply Benedictine practices of a monastic outside of the monastery? Without looking at The Rule, seventy-three chapters may appear overwhelming. However, each chapter is very short. Some are a mere paragraph. Several chapters relate to one another and can naturally be discussed together. Each is rich in purpose, as well as promise. I hope to examine the heart of each chapter to discern its spiritual intent rather than to specific “letter of the law” application. To do otherwise, I fear, would turn us away from this well-worn path and declare it irrelevant to our lives. However, by embracing the spirit of Benedict’s regula we may be able to use it as both guide and measure to see our progress in loving our God.
Next week I hope to explore Chapter One by considering various kinds of Christian pilgrims described by Benedict. What kind of monastics follow the path? I plan to read the epistle of St. Jude this week to prepare for the first rest stop on this journey.
Let’s walk down the path together.
Br. Dan, OSB
