2 Rules for Life from St. Benedict
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Benedict, founder of the Benedictine Order. He wrote the?Rule of St. Benedict which laid out precepts for monks to follow. This way of life continues to endure fifteen centuries later, leading to his reputation as the founder of western monasticism.
St. Benedict left the excess and immorality of Rome around the year 500 A.D. to live a life dedicated to prayer and work for the Lord. He soon attracted many disciples wanting to learn how to grow in holiness as monks.
Here are 2 rules from the Rule of St. Benedict that can help us today:
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1. Unhesitating Obedience
The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience, which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all . . . This very obedience, however, will be acceptable to God and agreeable to men only if compliance with what is commanded is not cringing or sluggish or half-hearted, but free from any grumbling or any reaction of unwillingness. For the obedience shown to superiors is given to God, as he himself said: Whoever listens to you, listens to me (Luke 10:16). Furthermore, the disciples’ obedience must be given gladly, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7). - Rule of St. Benedict, Ch. 5
Although many of us are not part of a religious community with superiors, we still owe God the same kind of obedience in our daily lives.
As St. Benedict writes, unhesitating obedience is the first step of humility. When following God's law, we set aside our own opinions and what we think is best and trust in God's will.
Not only that, we learn that the?manner in which we obey God's commands matters, too. Are we "sluggish" or "half-hearted" when it comes to following God's laws? Or do we obey with joy and gladness, even if we would naturally tend toward disobeying?
St. Benedict teaches us that when we are obedient, we imitate Jesus Christ who came to do the will of the Father and was obedient even to death on a cross.
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2. Hospitality
All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt 25:35) . . . Great care and concern are to be shown in receiving poor people and pilgrims, because in them more particularly Christ is received; our very awe of the rich guarantees them special respect. - Rule of St. Benedict, Ch. 53
The Benedictines are famous for their dedication to hospitality for all guests. Unwavering care for visitors is a key reflection of a spiritual truth: what we do to others, we do for Christ.
When we go through our days at work, at school, in our family life: do we see Christ in everyone we meet? Do we see Christ in the poor?
St. Benedict teaches us to have a hospitable, welcoming heart for all that we meet. This is especially true if it's someone that comes to us in need, for to serve them is to serve Christ.
Are Catholics Living in Exile? | SEEK24 | Dr. Scott Hahn
Dr. Scott Hahn delivers an Impact Session talk from SEEK24 in St. Louis, MO about living in exile where he shares biblical wisdom to help Catholics navigate today's world. He reveals how exile unveils God's purpose.
Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice.
Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue
Founder, President & Principal Counsel, Trident Communications Group
4 个月Founder, President & Principal Counsel, Trident Communications Group
4 个月St. Benedict's Rule: a wonderfully spiritual way of living, but particularly challenging in a narcissistic culture that often outwardly mocks obedience to anyone or anything, and a culture of divisiveness in which it becomes very difficult to be hospitable and see the face of Christ in every person we encounter. St. Benedict, pray for all of us!