Prologue to The Rule (paragraph 8)

If, however, you find in it anything which seems rather strict, but which is demanded reasonably for the correction of vice or the preservation of love, do not let that frighten you into fleeing from the way of salvation; it is a way which is bound to seem narrow to start with. (From para. 8 of Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Meditation, it seems to me, is a very real school for the Lord's service. The practice of the mantra is strict, demanded reasonably for the correction of vice and the preservation of love, and is a way which is bound to seem narrow to start with. 

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 Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I recently read a piece by Michael Casey, OCSO, on "The Simple and Fundamental Truth" -- he's speaking of our faith. He states: "Our task is to allow the process of prayer to take place. The rest is up to the Father who loves us." In meditation, I seek to align my mind and my body to the presence of God, to the eternally flowing stream of love between Jesus and the Father. And I seek to expand this spirit of prayer into every aspect of my life.

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 Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I associate the word "truce" with warfare, but the roots of the word are in "truth". What better reason for me to live each day, than to come closer to the truth of who I am in the expanding Spirit.

Prologue to The Rule (paragraph 5)

And so now 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 Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I can't think of any higher standard than living in the unitive consciousness of love. It's a standard to which I will fall short, and remember only intermittently. But it's the same love in which I aspire to live that is already sustaining me.

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 points out to us the path of life. (From para. 4 of Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

From my experience, that gentle and encouraging word that Benedict speaks of, is the mantra. Just as meditation is not "my" meditation, perhaps the mantra is not "my" mantra, either, but is, in the first place, the word from the Lord calling me to himself.

Prologue to The Rule (paragraph 3)

However late, then, it may seem, let us rouse ourselves from lethargy. That is what scripture urges on us when it says: the time has come for us to rouse ourselves from sleep. Let us open our eyes to the light that can change us into the likeness of God. (From para. 3 of Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

However late, then, it may seem, being in the presence of God is not something I "missed". The presence is here, now, and so it is never too late for me to open my eyes to the light that can change me into the likeness of God, the timeless light.

Prologue to The Rule (paragraphs 1-2)

Listen, child of God, to the guidance of your teacher. 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 Prologue to the Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

At one moment I am a child at the feet of my teacher, and in the next a sword is piercing my heart. Allowing for the transformative power of suffering, St Benedict guides me back to my original innocence.