Whenever I consider the Rule of Benedict, I am struck with awe at St. Benedict’s ageless wisdom! How can a rule of life written over 1500 years ago still find relevance in our lives today? I believe it is because it is rooted in Christ, filled with his Gospel teachings and many other Scripture verses.

 

Benedict desired to teach his followers how to live an authentic Christian life while living in a community of people intentionally seeking God together, “preferring nothing whatever to Christ” (RB 72:11), and learning to love as Christ loves. At the very beginning of his Prologue to the Rule, Benedict tells us to “listen carefully” to his instructions “with the ear of [our] hearts” (RB Prologue:1). I must intentionally take his teachings offered in love into my heart, prayerfully reflect on them and absorb them deeply to inform my will. Gradually, this heart-listening is shaping and transforming my heart in Christ’s love and directing my daily choices.

 

Benedict calls the monastery a “school for the Lord’s service” for which he has written this Rule. He hopes that as we read its Prologue and 73 brief but rich chapters, there is nothing in it that is “too harsh or burdensome.” He warns us, though, that “for the good of all concerned,” there may be some strictness “in order to amend faults and safeguard love” (RB Prologue: 45-47).

 

To me, learning to “safeguard love” is the key to living together in community, rooted in Christ’s love. Benedict teaches us throughout the Rule how to do this. Besides the Prologue, my “go to” chapters are these: The Qualities of the Abbot (Prioress), The Tools for Good Works, Obedience, Humility, Mutual Obedience, and The Good Zeal of Monks.

 

So, yes, this ancient rule still teaches, shapes and transforms our hearts today. And he promises that “as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love” (RB Prologue:49). What more could we desire?