Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 8)

Then we shall never think of deserting his guidance; we shall persevere in fidelity to his teaching in the monastery until death so that through our patience we may be granted some part in Christ's own passion and thus in the end receive a share in his kingdom. (From para. 8 of Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Something as simple as patience -- over something mundane, trivial, and often requiring some degree of physical self-control -- situates me within Jesus' ultimate self-giving that transforms the world.

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 7)

We must, therefore, prepare our hearts and bodies to serve him under the guidance of holy obedience. (From para. 7 of the Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

It seems to me that as I get older and, I hope, wiser, I also become more embodied.  "God has skin", as I recently read, and I experience that truth in the incarnational nature of meditation, in the growing awareness of the force that creates and sustains my physicalness. Embodiment is a kind of consciousness it seems, that guides me to care for my body in a way that honors its divine element, and prepares my body for loving service. 

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 6)

It is in the light of that teaching that the Lord waits for us every day to see if we will respond by our deeds, as we should, to his holy guidance. (From para. 6 of Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

"Doing good deeds" sound a bit old-fashioned to my ears, and ladened with work ethic.  But I do ask myself how I will respond to Lord's guidance -- with more kindness, gentleness, patience, I hope, and openness to the transformative power of true relationship?

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 5)

And so to prepare ourselves for the journey before us let us renew our faith and set ourselves high standards by which to lead our lives. The gospel should be our guide in following the way of Christ to prepare ourselves for his presence in the kingdom to which he has called us. (From para. 5 of the Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The highest standard by which I can lead my life is to live the Gospel right now, where I am, and with those around me, discovering, through relationship, God within and among us.

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 4)

What gentler encouragement could we have, my dear brothers and sisters, than that word from the Lord calling us to himself in such a way! We can see with what loving concern the Lord point out to us the path of life. (From para. 4 of the Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Jesus calls out to me in friendship.  This friendship, this relationship, with the God who loves me first, and longs for my faithfulness to him, is, it seems to me, the ultimate source of transformation.

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 3)

Let us open our eyes to the light that can change us into the likeness of God. (From para. 3 of tbe Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

As simple as that.  Opening my eyes.  Seeing the reality of the other, of the present moment, the oneness of creation.  A mantra of Christ-consciousness.

Prologue to The Rule (paragraphs 1-2)

This, then, is the beginning of my advice: make prayer the first step in anything worthwhile that you attempt. (From para. 2 of the Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

My first step: Turn away from my false self, toward the other, in selfless relationship.  This is the reality where I will find God's grace.