Chapter 22: Sleeping arrangements for the community

In the morning, as they are getting up for the work of God, they should quietly give encouragement to those who are sleepy and given to making excuses for being late. (From para. 2 of Ch. 22 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

A note of tenderness sounds here, making life sweet. Small kindnesses are the best way to prepare for meditation, John Main said.

Chapter 21: The deans of the monastery

If any of the deans are affected by some breath of pride which lays them open to adverse criticism, they should be corrected once or twice or even three times. (From para. 2 of Ch. 21 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The image of breath is more likely to evoke for me the Holy Spirit, rather than pride. But the use of the term "breath of pride" reminds me that selfishness can insinuate its way into anything, contorting what should be service, into power over others.

Chapter 20: The ideal of true reverence in prayer

When we come, then, with our requests in prayer before the Lord, who is God of all creation, is it not all the more important that we should approach him in a spirit of real humility and a devotion that is open to him alone and free from distracting thoughts? (From Ch. 20 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

I resonate with Benedict's prescription for true reverence in prayer, as a description of meditation. A spirit of real humility -- poverty of spirit.  A devotion that is open to him alone -- realizing the presence of the indwelling God. Free from distracting thoughts -- the practice of the mantra.

Chapter 19: Our approach to prayer

All of us, then, should reflect seriously on how to appear before the majesty of God in the presence of his angels. That will lead us to make sure that, when we sing in choir, there is complete harmony between the thought in our mind and the meaning of the words we sing. (From Ch. 19 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Such complete harmony could only be the gift of God in whose presence I merely practice attention beyond myself.

Chapter 18: The order for reciting the psalms (paragraphs 5-6)

After all, we read that our holy Fathers had the energy to fulfil in one single day what we in our lukewarm devotion only aspire to complete in a whole week. (From para. 6 of Ch. 18 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I fear that "lukewarm" may be too apt a phrase to describe my own devotion at times, sodden with frailties and distractions. But it's best that I don't think about that too much. Better that I faithfully return my attention to the divine energy that is always sustaining me.

Chapter 18: The order for reciting the psalms (paragraph 4)

Vespers each day has four psalms to be sung. (From para. 4 of Ch. 18 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

St. Benedict's simple statement about Vespers helps me to reflect on that late afternoon/early evening part of my day -- sometimes a tired, frayed, or unfocused time for me.  Benedict says simply, there are four psalms to be sung. I know simply, it is time to say the mantra. In loving fidelity to discipline may come the "even-ing" or  balancing that is the fruit of selfless attention.

Chapter 18: The order for reciting the psalms (paragraph 3)

These same psalms are repeated daily until Sunday and the identical arrangement of hymns, lessons and verses is retained everyday. (From para. 3 of Ch. 18 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

I believe that what I do every day has the power to change me, especially something as rigorous as the practice of selfless attention. Routine becomes discipline at these depths, and thereby becomes transformative.