Before I had read the Rule of St. Benedict, I had developed and implemented a rule of life. Years ago I became an Associate with the Order of Holy Cross, which is Benedictine in nature. My rule was fairly simple entailing daily bible reading, prayer, study, church attendance, retreats and fasting.
The biggest impact on my life has been the daily bible reading. Over the years, as I read the same passages over and over again, they seemed to hold different messages. As I assimilated this information and perspective into my world view, my opinions on a variety of topics became more focused. The basic impact was that I grew more tolerant and progressive.
But how was I becoming more liberal when I was leading a more deeply religious life? On a trip through North Dakota I was fortunate enough to stop at Assumption Abbey where I bought a copy of The Rule of St. Benedict. The societal context of 600 years ago is quite different than it is today. But the overall focus remains the same.
Some of Benedict’s rules, while not unheard of, were certainly more progressive and egalitarian than I would have suspected. Then there are the other rules that, like corporal punishment for children, that seem quaint at best and barbaric at worst. Of course, St. Benedict was also the target of assassination attempts from monks that just could not take him.
However, the overall theme is one of prayer, study, work and centering; always being focused on God. I gravitate towards the Benedictine way of life. My challenge is to reconcile the Benedictine rule, the Bible, modern society and a perspective of God that is more expansive and limitless than most people’s view.
You just have to laugh at life: past, present and future. Hence, various quotes from The Rule of St. Benedict that I have put into tweets. Some of the quotes, modified for brevity at times, have also been appended with my own little comments. Sometimes when you find the absurdity of an idea, it is like finding a little window into your own soul.
| A man born free is not to given a higher rank than a slave who becomes a monk. St. Benedict |
| You are not to act in anger or nurse a grudge. St. Benedict |
| Rid your heart of all deceit. St. Benedict |
| Never give a hollow greeting of peace or turn away when someone needs your love. St. Benedict |
| If people curse you, do not curse them back, but bless them instead. St. Benedict. |
| Be certain that the evil you commit is always your own and yours to acknowledge. St. Benedict |
| Prefer moderation in speech and speak no foolish chatter. St. Benedict |
| Do not love quarelling, shun ingnorance. St. Benedict |
| So important is silence that permission to speak should seldom be granted. St. Benedict |
| Monks should remove their knives lest they accidently cut themselves in their sleep. St. Benedict |
| The younger brothers should not sleep next to one another, but interspersed among the seniors. St. Benedict |
| On arising, they will quietly encourage one another, for the sleepy like to make excuses. St. Benedict. |
| If, however, anyone is caught grumbling, let him undergo more severe discipline. St. Benedict |
| Care of the sick must rank above and before all else. St. Benedict |
| The sick who are weak may eat meat, but when health improves, they should abstain from meat as usual. St. Benedict |
| Let there be complete silence. No Whispering, no speaking-only the readers voice should be heard. St. Benedict |
| Brothers will read and sing according to their ability to benefit the hearers. St. Benedict |
| A generous pound of bread is enough for a day whether for on one meal or for both dinner and supper. St. Benedict |
| Above all over indulgence is avoided, lest a monk experience indigestion. St. Benedict |
| Let everyone abstain entirely from eating the meat of four footed animals. St. Benedict |
| We believe that half bottle of wine a day is sufficient for each. St. Benedict |
| Since monks can’t be convinced not to drink wine, let us at least agree to drink moderately. St. Benedict |
| Idleness is the enemy of the soul. St. Benedict |
| When they live by the labor of their hands, they they are really monks. St. Benedict |
| The of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent. St. Benedict |
| All humility should be shown in addressing a guest on arrival or departure. St. Benedict |
| Monks must not complain about the color or coarseness of clothing, but use what is available in the vicinity. St. Benedict |
| For bedding the monks will need a mat, woolen blanket and light covering as well as a pillow. St. Benedict |
| A monk discovered with anything not given him by the Abbot must be subjected to very severe punishment. St. Benedict |
| The evil of avarice must have no part in establishing prices. St. Benedict |
| If any ordained priest asks to be received into the monastery, do not agree too quickly. St. Benedict |
| The monks keep keep rank in the monastery according to the date of their entry, regardless of age. St. Benedict |
| Absolutely no where shall age automatically determine rank in a monastery. St. Benedict |
| Some priors, usurp tyrannical power and foster contention and discord in their communities. St. Benedict |
| At the door of the monastery, place a sensible old man who knows how to take a message. St. Benedict |
| At the door of the monastery.. place a sensible old man whose age keeps him from roaming about. St. Benedict |
