Rule of Benedict 10
February 22, 2009
Today we begin a reading of chapter one and verses 1-2.
Says Benedict: It is plain that there are four kinds of monks. The first are the cenobites: That is, those who do their service in monasteries under a rule and an abbot.
Lectio: Living under a rule. A rule is not some kind of arbitrary measure or random boundary to live by. Rather the rule or regula is a straight edge that sets a true and proper alignment. In other words, it is an agreed upon way of life in community in a cloistered space (a monastery). For the first twelve years of my life I lived under such a rule in a convent and didn’t know it. It so becomes a part of life and existence that one is no longer aware he is living a rule. The rule becomes the rhythm of life, the way of life. It sets the true boundary of the community life. I don’t think I can describe the rule with any certainty of accuracy. But I know it was not oppressive. Norvene Vest’s take on who Benedict thinks is a monk is this: one who live in monastic community, serving under an abbot and a rule.
Maintaining a routine way of life and doing it with others is not easy. Imagine living with the same group of people for life (like family). Some you may not even like but you learn to love. I remember some of the nuns who used to talk about their colleague’s “foibles” or “quircks” yet do it lovingly. What is lost in such communal living is the ego, the self that would rather live independently of anyone.
Reflection and prayer: My lectio take away from this is coming to terms with life in community while intentionally letting go of ego. Let go my ego! Lord, when my brother is unlikable help me let go my ego. When it is hard to love one and all, help me let go my ego. When I don’t get my way, help me et go my ego. When others are better servants than I, help me let go my ego. When Christ blesses the other more than me, help me let go my ego. When I fail, help me let go my ego. When I am fruiful, help me let go my ego. When my will is not done, help me let go my ego. Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Comments
Got something to say?
-
Subscribe To MO
