Sunday, April 29, 2018

Chapter 73: This Rule is only a beginning


The purpose for which we have written this rule is to make it clear that by observing it in our monasteries we can at least achieve the first steps in virtue and good monastic practice. (From para. 1 of Ch. 73 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

These are welcome words to me today, as consoling as John Main's assurance that, "in meditation, we are all beginners". St. Benedict accepts me as I am, offers me both compassion and challenge, and continually reorients me to the other and the Other.

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Chapter 72: The good spirit which should inspire monastic life


It is easy to recognize the bitter spirit of wickedness which creates a barrier to God's grace and opens the way to the evil of hell. But equally there is a good spirit which frees us from evil ways and brings us closer to God and eternal life. (From Ch. 72 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Why, I wonder, does it it seem so much easier to see what is bitter in others and in myself, than to see what is good? I'm aware of having a stubborn and very human disposition towards alienation. But, its hold over me is loosened by the practice of meditation.

Friday, April 27, 2018

Chapter 71: Mutual obedience in the monastery


Any monk or nun who is corrected for anything by abbot or abbess or one of the seniors and perceives that the senior is upset by feelings of anger, even though thy may be well in control, then that junior should at once prostrate on the ground in contrition and not move until the senior gives a blessing which will heal the upset. (From para. 2 of Ch. 71 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

What does this teach me about mutual obedience? What exactly is the situation St Benedict describes? The junior may have done something wrong, but whatever happened the senior is angry, though the emotion may be well under control. However, the junior is perceptive of the senior's feelings. So, the junior is the one who must prostrate, while the senior must (eventually) give a blessing, and this mutual encounter will "heal the upset". Perhaps, like many human encounters, it's not clear who is responsible for what, but the community order holds true, and everyone must be obedient to making the necessary gesture of forgiveness. So, perhaps I am to learn that a spirit of mutual obedience ensures a spirit of mutual forgiveness.





Thursday, April 26, 2018

Chapter 70: The offence of striking another

Every occasion for presumptuous behaviour in a monastery must be avoided, so we insist that no one in the community may excommunicate or strike another unless given the power to do so by the superior. (From Ch. 70 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Presumptuous behavior, it seems to me, is the opposite of right relationship. The first, motivated by the ego, drives me to assume power over others. The second, motivated by the Spirit, allows me to act lovingly in the best interest of others.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Chapter 69: No one should act as advocate for another


Such a thing must not happen in the monastery because it would provide a very serious occasion of scandal. (From Ch. 69 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I think St. Benedict is telling me that self-interest, even when it appears to be service to another, creates division. My responsibility to community is to allow the life of Christ to act within each of us, and among all of us.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Chapter 68: The response to orders that seem impossible


If the superior after listening to this submission still insists on the original command, then the junior must accept that it is the right thing and with loving confidence in the help of God obey. (From Ch. 68 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Christ blesses me with those who challenge my perception of my limitations. In this way, what I might dismiss as mere weakness, becomes, through deep listening, my "growing edge".

Monday, April 23, 2018

Chapter 67: Those sent on a journey


Those who are sent on a journey should commend themselves to the prayers of all the community as well as of the superior, and, at the last prayer of the work of God in the oratory, there should always be a momento of all who may be absent. (From Ch. 67 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Sometimes my journeys are the undesirable ones of wandering away from life-giving routine and spiritual discipline, from my place in community, from openness to reality rather than to fantasy.  But the "momento" of my true identity in Christ is to remember, to return, to re-begin saying the mantra.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Chapter 66: The porter or portress of the monastery


At the entrance to the monastery there should be a wise senior who is too mature in stability to think of wandering about and who can deal with enquiries and give whatever help is required. (From para. 1 of Ch. 66 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

For me, an inner emotional stability is a fruit of meditation -- or, at least, I'm coming closer in my experience of it.  How do I react to difficult people or situations? -- what time do I waste in embellishing personal dramas? -- or, do I place my impulse to repeat an unhealthy pattern at the feet of Christ?

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Chapter 64: The election of an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 3-4)


They should not be trouble-makers nor given to excessive anxiety nor should they be too demanding and obstinate, nor yet interfering and inclined to suspicion so as never to be at rest. (From para. 4 of Ch. 64 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

My job is not to be busy about controlling people or events, but to rest in the Lord. Here I discover the resourcefulness that springs from being grounded in my source.

Friday, April 20, 2018

Chapter 64: The election of an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 1-2)


The grounds on which a candidate is elected abbot or abbess must be the quality of their monastic life and the wisdom of their teaching, even if they are the last in order in the community. (From para. 1 of Ch. 64 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

St. Benedict demands the effort of discernment in recognizing leaders. This teaching challenges me, personally, to recommit myself to the path of meditation and self-knowledge. Then, whatever leadership positions I many find myself in, in whatever ways I may have an influence other people, I may be more selflessly attentive.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Chapter 63: Community order (paragraphs 2-3)


In that way they will conform to scripture which says they should try to be the first to show respect for each other. (From para. 3 of Ch. 63 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

It seems to me wonderfully true, that life-giving order emerges out of everyone being the first  -- the first to show kindness to the other.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Chapter 63: Community order (paragraph 1)


So, apart from those whom the superior has promoted for a more cogent reason or demoted for specific faults, all the others retain the order of their conversion to monastic life so exactly that one who arrived at the monastery door at the second hour must accept a place junior to another who came an hour earlier, whatever their age or former rank may have been. (From para. 1 of Ch. 62 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

St. Benedict defines my moment of conversion -- my movement away from self-centeredness and towards Christian community -- as the moment I open to becoming a new creation in Christ.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Chapter 62: The priests of the monastery


When ordained a monk must be careful to avoid a spirit of self-importance or pride and he must avoid taking on himself any duties to which the abbot has not assigned him. (From para. 1 of Ch. 62 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

To my ears, St. Benedict is not discouraging a spirit of initiative or service. He is, more directly, reminding me of the dangers of spiritual pride, and that the ego can insinuate itself into absolutely anything.

Monday, April 16, 2018

Chapter 61: Monastic pilgrims from far away (paragraphs 2-3)


But if no such negative signs are apparent it may be right to go further and not wait for a request to be accepted in the community. It may even be right to persuade such a one to stay so that others may benefit and learn from such example. (From para. 2 of Ch. 61 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

In my experience, being in community means understanding that God has brought me together with others, so that I may travel beyond myself, and find myself and all of us in Christ.

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Chapter 61: Monastic pilgrims from far away  (paragraphs 1-2)


If, on the other hand, such a pilgrim monk or nun has been revealed as a guest to be overbearing and full of bad habits then not only should all further association with the community be refused but such a guest should quite openly be requested to depart for fear that such a wretched example might lead others astray.  (From para. 1 of Ch. 61 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

For me, a fruit of the practice of meditation has been realizing deeper spiritual resources to help me grapple with issues of unhealthy relationships and setting boundaries. And, perhaps, most of all, revealing to me the misguidedness of trying to change anyone, even myself. I see the futility of trying to change myself, as well as the promise of being transformed in the Spirit.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Chapter 60: The admission of priests into the monastery


An ordained priest who asks to be received into the monastery should not be accepted too quickly. If, however, he shows real perseverance in his request, he must understand that, if accepted, he will be bound to observe the full discipline of the Rule and may expect no relaxations. (From para. 1 of Ch. 60 Of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

My ego wants to set me above and apart; the Spirit wants to set me down to serve.

Friday, April 13, 2018

Chapter 59: Children offered by nobles of by the poor


Everything concerned with this property should be negotiated in such a way that not the slightest hint of personal expectations can be entertained by the child in a way which could lead through deception to ruin. (From para. 2 of Ch. 59 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I believe that both St. Benedict and John Main share a vision of relating freely to the natural word, with the liberty of spirit that is possible through dispossession.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Chapter 58: The reception of candidates for the community (paragraphs 4-5)


When the decision is made that novices are to be accepted, then they come before the whole community in the oratory to make solemn promise of stability, fidelity to monastic life and obedience. (From para. 4 of Ch. 58 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

St. Benedict teaches me not only that the monk is one who seeks God, but also that such seeking is not simply solitary but is done in community. Through the practice of meditation, I begin to understand how the solemn promises Benedict names apply to both my journey inward, and to my journey outward.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Chapter 58: The reception of candidates for the community (paragraphs 1-3)


The entry of postulants into the monastic life should not be made too easy, but we should follow St John's precept to make trial of the spirits to see if they are from God. (From para. 1 of Ch. 58 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Making "trial of the spirits" is not only for the beginning of my path, it is for every step along the way. Seen rightly, each step is a moment for the ego to lessen, and the light of the Spirit to brighten.


Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Chapter 57: Members of the community with creative gifts


If there are any in the community with creative gifts, they should use them in their workshops with proper humility, provided that they have the permission of the superior. (From para. 1 of Ch. 57 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

My understanding of "creative gifts" is expanding. It includes a growing quality of selfless attention when I practice my own art, and when I help others to create art. Creativity also seems to be inherent in my attentive interaction with all creatures, with all of creation. True creativity is not fantasy nor perfectionism, but "being real" in all the deepest meanings of the phrase.

Monday, April 9, 2018

Chapter 56: The table for the superior and community guests

The superior's table should always be with the guests and pilgrims. (From Ch. 56 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Who am I? The superior? The guest? The pilgrim? The Christian vision of unity recognizes Christ in all of my aspects.

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Chapter 55: Clothing and footwear for the community (paragraphs 3-4)

There is one saying, however, from the Acts of the Apostles which the superior must always bear in mind, namely that proper provision was made according to the needs of each. (From para. 4 of Ch. 55 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Accumulation of stuff is a problem in my household. What if I more carefully discerned what each of us really needs -- a word, a look, a gesture, a prayer?

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Chapter 55: Clothing and footwear for the community (paragraphs 1-2)


However the superior should see to it that the garments are not short and ill-fitting but appropriate to the size and build of those who wear them. (From para. 1 of Ch. 55 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

With all of Benedict's concern for economy and practicality, I'm touched by his attention to appropriate fit. This speaks to me of the dignity of the body, and offers a gentle challenge to bear with honor the indwelling spirit.

Friday, April 6, 2018

Chapter 54: The reception of letters and gifts in the monastery


No one in a monastic community may receive or send to others letters, gifts of piety or any little tokens without the permission of the superior, whether it is their parents who are concerned or anyone else at all or another member of the community. (From Ch. 54 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Benedict reminds me to give and to eceive without the strings of my ego attached. 

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Chapter 53: The reception of guests (paragraphs 5-6)


The kitchen to serve the superior together with the guests should be quite separate, so that guests, who are never lacking in a monastery, may not unsettle the community by arriving, as they do, at all times of the day. (From para. 5 of Ch. 53 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

My household isn't large enough to contain two kitchens.  And yet, I respond to the parallel arrangement that Benedict describes, of hospitality and stability standing side by side.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Chapter 53: The reception of guests (paragraphs 1-4)


The greatest care should be taken to give a warm reception to the poor and to pilgrims, because it is in them above all others that Christ is welcomed. (From para. 4 of Ch. 53 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The poor are those without possessions. Pilgrims are those who leave everything behind to seek. Being unencumbered, they can become more transparent, so that Christ radiates from them more clearly. Being poor, a pilgrim, and unencumbered is also the way of saying the mantra.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Chapter 52: The oratory of the monastery


The oratory must be simply a place of prayer, as the name itself implies, and it must not be used for any other activities at all nor as a place for storage of any kind. (From Ch. 52 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Jesus teaches me: "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret" (Matt 6:6). My inner room is my heart, my oratory, where Jesus dwells. In this oratory it is always time for spring cleaning, for the selfless attention of the mantra, and for clearing out clutter, self-will, and all of the psychological baggage.

Monday, April 2, 2018

Chapter 51: Those on local errands or work


Any who are sent on an errand which will allow them to return to the monastery on the same day must not eat outside, in spite of pressing invitations whatever their source, unless the superior has approved this. (From Ch. 51 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Too rushed, too tired, too many bad habits -- I can be quick to rationalize reasons why I can "skip out" on my spiritual attentiveness. St. Benedict is reminding me to return always to my source.

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Chapter 50: Those whose work takes them away from the monastery

In the same way those sent on a journey must be careful not to omit the hours of prayer which are prescribed for the whole community. (From para. 2 of Ch. 50 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Just as the Opus Dei functions in a "monastery with walls" always to put God first, to bring the community together in its most important work, and to keep time holy, so does meditation act as a corrective to aspects of my life that would leave me wandering, confused, and alienated.