June 16

Chapter 13 pt. 1

The Rule of St. Benedict June 16

I have one technical point I would like to address about the Psalm number references that appear in the Rule.  They are from the Latin Vulgate, which was translated from the Greek Septuagint, and are usually one number less than the numbering of the Psalms as they appear in prayer books and Bibles based on the Hebrew manuscripts.  Further details about the numbering differences can be found here. I will use the Hebrew numbering in my references to the Psalms.

No matter what arrangement of the Psalms one uses in praying the Daily Office, it becomes clear rather quickly that one cannot expect to mirror every sentiment or idea expressed in each Psalm with the present state of one's emotions and beliefs.  Attempting to do so is a recipe for cognitive and emotional dysfunction.  Our Father Benedict is not urging us, like some 6th Century praise and worship leader, to "Sing it like you mean it!" when he arranges Psalm 67 right next to Psalm 51 each morning.

This is not to say that both Psalm 67 and Psalm 51 cannot speak to us each and every morning.  But the way in which they communicate is not necessarily by means of our personal sentiments and beliefs.  When I take the Psalms upon my lips, it is not St. Benedict's intention that I "mean" every word in the way our culture conceives of earnest feelings and beliefs.  The Psalms are intended to connect all of me, body, soul, and spirit, to a world that is much larger than my personal experience and conscious awareness.  I see this connection taking place in two distinct ways that I will touch upon tomorrow.

Br. Chad 2012