Each month, I reflect on a small portion of the Rule of Saint Benedict. May the Rule shape our hearts in following Jesus.

Commentary

Benedictines are cenobites. Cenobites, in Greek, are closely related to koinos, which means common and bio for life. Cenobites live life together. They live under the Rule and fatherly governance of an abbot in a particular place. A monk’s vows are tied to the customs and history of a specific monastery for life. Even when a monk is far from his monastery, he keeps the monastery close to his heart and prays to practice stability of the heart. 

As disciples of Jesus, we need a spiritual rule that helps us live a way of life fitting to our state. The word rule means straight edge in its linguistic roots. We follow a rule so that everything is aligned in our spiritual life, which overflows to proper alignment in our daily lives. The Rule is the vision for life. 

While we may not have a personal relationship with the abbot or live far away from him, we can stay connected with our respective Benedictine community through the various communication platforms, having the Rule before us and fostering a life of Lectio and prayer. 

Why is community important? Through it we grow in holiness. Holiness is a way of life. If we attempt it alone, we risk spiritual deterioration. We need community to be refreshened, disicipled, and renewed less or we decay alone. Community gives us 

Prayer O loving and all-present God, while I recognize your presence everywhere you are also somewhere. You are present in every tabernacle in the world, you are present in the community of monks that sing your praises. Let me carry you in my heart wherever I am, and let your loving gaze help me to embrace the Rule and know you in my lectio. Amen.