From the Monastery

St Benedict's little rule of life was written in the fifth century, and is a classic in Western spirituality. However, when you read it you will probably be disappointed. There is nothing there about the stages of mystical prayer. There is nothing on the heights of heaven or the bliss of devotion or fifteen stages to perfection.



Instead you find a practical rule for monks living together in community in the fifth century in Italy. Benedict gives them dietary instructions, rules on how to sleep (don't sleep with your knife on your belt lest you cut yourself when you roll over) what to drink, and how to pray.



But locked into the ordinary rule of life is the heart of the gospel. Benedict understands human psychology and his gentle rule helps us to live together in any kind of community through the simple dynamic of obedience, stability and conversion of life.



Obedience is rooted in the word 'to listen'. So obedience to the superior means really listening not only to what he wants, but why he wants it. Likewise, the superior is 'obedient' to those below him because he also seeks to serve them, and he listens to their real needs and  responds by never demanding anything from them that is not for their greater good. Think how our businesses and schools and communities would be transformed if we were to live together in such a way!



Stability is the deep conviction that "we will not find God elsewhere." A new house, a new job, a new spouse, a new location, a new diet, a new hair do, a new outfit...none of these things will, on their own, bring contentment and peace. God, and God's peace is to be found here and now. It is in this trial, this difficulty, this health crisis, this family, this community, this parish, that I will find the path to God. When we are rooted in stability we radiate peace and confidence. God is in charge. Therefore I will trust him. Right here and right now in the sacrament of this present moment.



Conversion of Life is the third Benedictine vow. It does not just mean having a religious 'conversion experience'. It means that I am committed to the quest for the whole of my life to be converted. Every last bit of me must be changed by God's grace and the radiant power of Christ within me. Conversion of my whole life is the aim, and from there the conversion of the whole of life around me. What if this were our goal, rather than power games, living for money or seeking to control others?



The Benedictine tradition will give you roots. Why not make a good book on the Benedictine way your next spiritual read? There are lots out there. A classic is Esther DeWaal's Seeking God.  My own St Benedict and St Therese--The Little Rule and the Little Way  blends the way of Benedict with the Little Way of St Therese while my book Listen My Son--St Benedict for Fathers gives readers the full text of the Rule of St Benedict in daily readings along with commentary applying the Rule to family life.