Chapter 11: Vigils or night office on Sunday

This arrangement for Vigils is followed in the same way on every Sunday both in summer and winter, unless -- which God forbid -- the community gets up late, in which case the lessons or responsories should to some extent be shortened. (From para. 2 of Ch. 11 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

In my life, meditation generates a creative rhythm, but also a disposition, at least an increasing one, to be gentle with myself when I fall short of my discipline. I realize that God upholds me with a divine energy that constantly heals and renews me.

Chapter 10:  The night office in summertime

Apart from that the arrangements for winter are followed exactly so that never less than twelve psalms should be recited at Vigils, not counting the third and ninety fourth psalms. (From Ch. 10 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Very precise instructions here, that begin to establish a rhythm and thoroughness about reciting the Psalter. Benedict's insistence on building a daily and hourly pattern to prayer remind me of John Main's instructions about saying the mantra. "It is also helpful to meditate regularly in the same place and also at the same time every day because this helps a creative rhythm in our life to grow, with meditation as a kind of pulse-beat sounding the rhythm." (John Main, Word Into Silence)

Chapter 9: The number of psalms at the night office

During the winter season the office of Vigils begins with this verse recited three times; Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise. (From para.1 of Ch. 9 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Chapter 7, on humility, had so much to say about the use of speech and silence. Interestingly, the verse Benedict mentions here, invoking God to open my lips to declare his praise, resounds to my ears with the soundless drama of creation, or a new cosmic birth in the midst of a cold and silent winter night. Listen!, Benedict says to me: The mouth hums with the the song of the Spirit.

Chapter 8: The Divine Office at Night

It seems reasonable that during wintertime, that is from the first of November until Easter all should arise at the eighth hour of the night. By that time, having rested until a little after midnight, they may rise with their food well digested. (From Ch. 8 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Rising rested and with food well digested -- here Benedict shows me another tender, practical concern for the whole of my being, and for the necessity of integrity in body and soul as making me fit for the service of the Lord.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraphs 19-20)

The humility of their hearts should be apparent by their bodily movements to all who see them. (From para. 19 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

As the integration of my being grows in my heart, through meditation, it seems natural that this consciousness should also grow: My spirit expresses itself as more embodied, and my body expresses itself as more inspirited.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 18)

We should speak gently and seriously with words that are weighty and restrained. We should be brief and reasonable in whatever we have to say and not raise our voices to insist on our own opinions. (From para. 18 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

On reflection, I'm awestruck by how much of Benedict's teaching on humility has to do with speech. Good speech emerges from holy silence like right action from contemplation.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 17)

The tenth step of humility teaches that we should not be given to empty laughter on every least occasion because: a fool's voice is for ever raised in laughter. (Para. 17 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I've known a laughter of joy that isn't empty, but is full of awe and delight, and sometimes its expression is as small as a glance or a smile. This kind of laughter alights gently, even in a flickering moment of relationship.