Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 7)

We must, therefore, prepare out 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.)

I learn the importance of keeping my body fit to serve, as well as my body's significance in learning compassion through suffering.

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 6)

For that very reason also, so that we may mend our evil ways, the days of our mortal lives are allowed us as a sort of truce for improvement. (From para. 6 of the Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The truces God offers to me are to find myself, through suffering, closer to my source and living in joy.

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. (From para. 5 of the Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I'm reminded by John Main's observation that it's not necessary to keep creating better and better agendas, or self-improvement plans. The one thing necessary for me is to be faithful to my twice daily practice of meditation. From this flows a creative energy that will help me find renewal and occasionally reach high standards, as I learn a selfless way of discipline.

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 4)

If you do that, he says, I shall look on you with such love and my ears will be so alert to your prayer that, before you so much as call on me, I shall say to you: here I am. (From para. 4 of the Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The intimacy of this sacred statement leaves me almost at a loss for words, as I realize that I can open myself to be eternally beloved.

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 3)

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

When my heart is open, I gaze upon God, and God gazes upon me.

Prologue to the Rule (paragraphs 1-2)

Attend to the message you hear and make sure that it pierces to your heart, so that you may accept with willing freedom and fulfil by the way you live the directions that come from your loving Father. (From para. 1 of the Prologue to Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Piercing to the heart means nothing less to me than participating in Jesus' free and obedient suffering on the cross. In this way, Jesus teaches me that even the small sufferings of my daily life, especially in community, can be meaningful, redemptive and inexplicably bring joy.

Chapter 73: This Rule is only a beginning

Whoever you may be, then, in your eagerness to reach your Father's home in heaven, be faithful with Christ's help to this small Rule which is only a beginning. (From para. 1 of Ch. 73 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

This small Rule helps me to see what obscures the presence of God for me. And, this small Rule has helped me to address those blocks and say, "What matters is not what's between me and that problem anymore. What matters is what's between me and God."