August 2

Chapter 51

The Rule of Benedict August 2

This time through, I hear in this little chapter Benedict setting a guard against the overwhelming momentum to do what is convenient when one is physically separate from the cloister.  Living within a structure that requires much from us in terms of the hours of each day is difficult enough when we're surrounded by people who are also abiding by that structure.  To live according to Rule in our "secular" lives is a challenge that monks would be loathe to accept (at least the ones I've met recently).  We are doing something very difficult in our life together.

This is a component part of what I've heard during July: that clear structures and expectations, held with mercy and grace toward each other, are invaluable as we seek to be formed by the Benedictine path.