Chapter 15
The Rule of Benedict February 18
I hear from this chapter that we are to experience our worship as full of joy, or a deep sense of well-being. Alleluia, or Hallelujah, is Hebrew for the imperative, "Praise the Lord!" As Christians, we state this imperative in the light of the Resurrection through which Christ is alive in our lives and, thereby, in the world. But this is a joy that is experienced on the other side of darkness and death. It is not naive, nor is it a matter of our feelings or preferences. It is a defiant claim on the narrative by which we will tell our own story.
I love the injunction against saying Alleluia during Lent, which has been lost in so many Protestant traditions. It helps me to remain aware of what, in fact, I am doing when I say Alleluia, and how deeply profound it is.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your phrasing, pointing out that it is a defiant claim - to praise God for God's goodness even when we find ourselves subsumed in a narrative teaching despair. Being a Christian is basically a defiant and crazy thing! I mean really, the Messiah crucified is the Good News??? But of course it is, because we know also about the resurrection. Alleluia!
I love this petition in the Litany for Sunday Lauds, weeks 2 and 4, in our Breviary:
ReplyDelete"Diffuse the light of your Son's Resurrection to all the people of the world.
And the Concluding Prayer:
"God of the universe, when you raised your servant Jesus, you made him the light of the nations. May the salvation he brings us shine out to the ends of the earth, and may your name be blessed forever and ever."
And for weeks 1 and 3:
"Father of mercy, your love embraces everyone and through the Resurrection of your Son you call us all into your wonderful light. Dispel our darkness and make us a people with one heart and one voice, forever singing your praise, in Jesus, the Christ, our Lord."
The light of the Resurrection is within and shines through us! Yes, we know about the Resurrection, and more, we carry its audacity within us! We diffuse its light. Alleluia!