August 1

Chapter 50

The Rule of Benedict August 1

I commented last time around that this passage describes circumstances that are more similar to ours as non-cloistered Benedictines, and, in that way, it is an encouraging chapter for us in that it acknowledges the possibility of an ordered prayer life outside of a monastery.

This time through, having just come home from my time at a monastery, my attention is drawn to the fact that Benedict's instructions for the absent members are predicated upon their understanding of a common set of appointed Hours.  The establishment of such a set of Hours is central to what I have heard during our quiet July about our path forward as a community.