Each month, I reflect on a small portion of the Rule of Saint Benedict. May the Rule shape our hearts in following Jesus.
Chapter 1:6-9
| Third, there are the sarabaites, the most detestable kind of monks, who with no experience to guide them, no rule to try them as gold is tried in a furnace (Prov 27:21), have a character as soft as lead. Still loyal to the world by their actions, they clearly lie to God by their tonsure. Two or three together, or even alone without a shepherd, they pen themselves up in their own sheepfolds, not the Lord’s. Their law is what they like to do, whatever strikes their fancy. Anything they believe in and choose, they call holy; anything they dislike, they consider forbidden. |
Commentary
This section of Benedict’s Rule reminds us that the rule is like gold tested in the furnace. Following the Rule implies that a true disciple of Jesus is obedient and follows authority. Otherwise, we are the softer metal like lead. We need obedience and authority, a School of the Lord’s service that helps us form our interior life and molds our hearts to the heart of Jesus. If we are not obedient or follow authority, we become wanderers with no goal or direction in the spiritual life.
Forming the interior life is crucial. Today, we find many people who copy Jesus. They act like Christians who do and say all the right things to make themselves look righteous. We are not called to copy Jesus. We are called to imitate Jesus, where we love what he loved in the way he loved. This is only done by being formed and following the proper authority.
Prayer
Jesus, today I give you my heart. Let me choose the narrow and challenging inclines in life rather than the smooth and comprehensive open way. Form my heart and mold it so that you can live and reign in all my decisions and thoughts. Let me be strong gold metal rather than soft lead for your kingdom. Amen.
Enlarge my heart 
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