Rule of Benedict 35
July 21, 2009
I am in San Antonio, Texas, enjoying my 24 hours old grandson Brae. The miracle of life possesses indescribable beauty. Bless God with me for Brae.
The life of monastics at times seems restrictive. Some see it as impossible because of its restrictive characteristics. On the other hand a different perception of restrictions is possible. Restrictions can also be freeing. If you chose to only do some things you free yourself from having to do others.
What do you think of Benedict’s Rule 4:51-54.
Keep your mouth from evil and wicked words. Do not be excessively talkative. Do not speak vain words or words intended only to provoke laughter. Do not love excessive laughter.
Is this sound advice? Would yo follow it? Why do you think Benedict insists here about the use of words and laughter?
Comment: The key to this advice is the words excessively and excessive. With silence selling cheap and words of pundits earn them in the millions I see Benedict’s advice as a corrective. Silence is short changed and words are over valued. Our words can lead us astray and distance us from Christ. That is why we should measure them and consider what comes out of our mouths to see its real worth. Does it contribute to godliness or not? Laughter, we are told is therapeutic. But laughter also easily distracts us from life with God. Again, silence here gives us the needed corrective to words and laughter. Certainly words and laughter are not bad by themselves. But when when they distract us Christ, or when we neglect to use them for the cause of Christ, perhaps we err and refuse word and laughter for the sake of the kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, you gave us speech. You gave us silence. You gave us laughter. Whatever we use to draw near to you, words and laughter, bless them. Teach us to be silent and to know when not to speak nor laugh. Amen. Christ, have mercy.
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2 Comments to “Rule of Benedict 35”
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I agree your comment. I do think we would do well to listen more than we do. At the same time I feel like I need to laugh more. Many times I take myself to seriously and am too uptight (just ask my wife.) Healthy laughter can be an indication of a heart free from worry and bondage. A heart that has great confidence in the Lord is free to laugh like a child.
Go for it. May God lighten our hearts. I am learning to laugh at myself and my foibles.
This is the beauty of the Rule. It does not forbid laughter. A merry heart is a godly heart too. Frankly, I think what we laugh at or from are important. Cheap laughs abound in the medias. Honest, clean, joyful laughter is healing. Laughing at the expense of someone’s misfortune, mocking in laughter, put downs, posturing, and the like are not good for us not to mention the injury they cause others. Laughing that does not promote the welfare of others and ourselves is an act of love, a cheerful breath of fresh Spirit. Laughing that comes from soul depths rather than surface levels is freeing and healing.
Laugh it up. Seriously.
I wonder if when we gather, we shouldn’t plan a little wholesome laughter.