Today is the Feast Day of St. Benedict

A Life in Pursuit of Holiness

In the journey of life, we often encounter figures that mark our spiritual paths with a profound depth. One of those figures is St. Benedict of Nursia, an individual whose life’s journey serves as an indelible guide for all seekers of truth and sanctity. Born in the late 5th century in Umbria, Italy, his early years were shaped by the scholarly life of Rome. Yet, this metropolitan life could not captivate his spirit, for it was not in the noisy boulevards of Rome but in the silence of solitude that Benedict found his true calling.

The Call to Solitude and Discipline

Distanced from the materialistic grasp of the city, he sought refuge in the hermitage of Subiaco. The silent wilderness of Subiaco marked a profound turning point in his life, enabling him to discern the divine calling that would later lead him to mold the foundations of monastic life in the West. His austere discipline, however, was not always accepted willingly by his peers, who even attempted to poison him out of resentment. Yet, such trials could not shake Benedict's resolve.

The Dawn of the Benedictine Rule

Despite the initial struggles, St. Benedict proved his divine wisdom by establishing various small communities of monks and nuns, each thriving under the spiritual structure he envisioned. His crowning achievement, the grand Monastery of Monte Cassino, was where he devised his revolutionary rule for monastic life, now famously known as the Rule of St. Benedict.

Although not the first monastic rule in existence, the Benedictine Rule stands unique due to its practical and balanced approach to spirituality. St. Benedict understood that perfection is an ambition of many but an achievement of few. He envisaged his rule not as a measure of perfection but as a guiding light for beginners, a tool for growth and improvement.

Embracing Individuality, Nurturing Community

St. Benedict, through his rule, acknowledged the beautiful diversity that God has woven into the fabric of humanity. His rule did not impose a crushing, uniform mold upon the monastic communities but rather fostered an environment where each individual could flourish in their spiritual journeys, ultimately becoming who God intended them to be.

A Guide to the World

Yet, the wisdom of the Rule of St. Benedict extends beyond the confines of the monastery. It is a spiritual treasure for all of us, regardless of our walk of life. It elevates our gaze towards the heavenly realms while keeping our feet firmly rooted in earthly realities. It ignites in us the aspiration for divine perfection while maintaining our human sanity.

The life and teachings of St. Benedict of Nursia present a profound lesson of balance and spiritual growth. As we traverse our paths in the pursuit of holiness, let us remember St. Benedict's wisdom. Let us strive for perfection, but remain patient with our imperfections. Let us aim for the stars, but never lose touch with the ground. In this balanced journey, we can truly find ourselves and our purpose in the grand design of the Creator.

From the Rule of Benedict, abbot

Put Christ before everything

Whenever you begin any good work you should first of all make a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord to bring it to perfection; that he, who has honored us by counting us among his children, may never be grieved by our evil deeds. For we must always serve him with the good things he has given us in such a way that he may never – as an angry father disinherits his sons or even like a master who inspires fear – grow impatient with our sins and consign us to everlasting punishment, like wicked servants who would not follow him to glory.

So we should at long last rouse ourselves, prompted by the words of Scripture: Now is the time for us to rise from sleep. Our eyes should be open to the God-given light, and we should listen in wonderment to the message of the divine voice as it daily cries out: Today, if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts; and again: If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. And what does the Spirit say? Come my sons, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Hurry, while you have the light of life, so that death’s darkness may not overtake you.

And the Lord as he seeks the one who will do his work among the throng of people to whom he makes that appeal, says again: Which of you wants to live to the full; who loves long life and the enjoyment of prosperity? And, if when you hear this you say, I do, God says to you: If you desire true and everlasting life, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceit; turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. And when you have done these things my eyes will be upon you and my ears will be attentive to your prayers; and before you call upon my name I shall say to you: Behold, I am here. What could be more delightful, dearest brothers, than the voice of our Lord’s invitation to us? In his loving kindness he reveals to us the way of life.

And so, girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his paths by the guidance of the Gospel; then we shall deserve to see him who has called us into his kingdom. If we wish to attain a dwelling-place in his kingdom we shall not reach it unless we hasten there by our good deeds.

Just as there exists an evil fervor, a bitter spirit, which divides us from God and leads us to hell, so there is a good fervor which sets us apart from evil inclinations and leads us towards God and eternal life. Monks should put this fervor into practice with an overflowing love: that is, they should surpass each other in mutual esteem, accept their weaknesses, either of body or of behavior, with the utmost patience; and vie with each other in acceding to requests. No one should follow what he considers to be good for himself, but rather what seems good for another. They should display brotherly love in a chaste manner; fear God in a spirit of love; revere their abbot with a genuine and submissive affection. Let them put Christ before all else; and may he lead us all to everlasting life.

Today’s Mass Collect

O God, who made the Abbot Saint Benedict an outstanding master in the school of divine service, grant, we pray, that, putting nothing before love of you, we may hasten with a loving heart in the way of your commands.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.