Prologue pt. 6
The Rule of Benedict May 7
In a sentence, Benedict states the purpose of the monastery: to "prepare our hearts and our bodies to serve [God] under the guidance of holy obedience" (translation by Patrick Berry OSB). It is my prayer that our order grows into and embodies this very purpose as well. Therefore, "Conscious in this undertaking of our own weakness let us ask the Lord to give us through his grace the help we need."
I feel very much as though we are indeed growing into and embodying this very purpose. The Lord has given us much grace in our times of need. Thanks be to God.
"...then, while there is still time, while we are still in the body and are able to fulfill all these things by the light of this life, we must hasten to do now what will profit us for eternity."
ReplyDeleteThis portion struck me this morning, as we have been dealing with various illnesses in our house this week, how important it is to establish a rule or routine of prayer when we have the bodily ability so that it is more likely to be maintained when potential barriers present themselves.