November 29

Chapter 48 pt. 3

The Rule of Benedict November 29

Sundays, in this passage, are to be set aside for the cultivation of the inner work that is study, or lectio divina.  I find it fascinating that our own society at large, until very recently, regarded Sundays as a day set aside for "rest"--stores closed, family gathered, home-cooked meals shared, etc.  But a dominant attitude in this recent memory is an entitlement to leisure, or idleness, on Sundays--watching football from the couch, reading the Sunday comics, long naps, etc.

I wonder what it might look like if we were to build into our attitude about Sundays the value of cultivating our inner life rather than the value of leisure.  How difficult would it be, practically, for us to take steps towards Benedict's intentions here?  I look forward to discussing how the chapter meeting of a potential canon community after a common meal each Sunday can contribute to cultivating such an attitude.