July 20

Chapter 41

The Rule of St. Benedict July 20

This chapter is a refreshing way to re-enter my dialog with the Rule after having to suspend my postings over the last week due to the lack of consistent Internet access as we walked, bussed, and flew our way back home.

We see in Chapter 41 the priority given to practical, embodied human need over ascetical ideals and structures.  It's not that the structures and ideals are dismissed or worthless, they are much of what shapes the Benedictine soul, but when circumstances and bodily need come into conflict with the ideal in a person's experience, it is the structure that gives way.  Our Father Benedict writes, "Thus it is that [the Abbot] should adapt and arrange everything in such a way that souls may be saved and that the brethren may do their work without cause for murmuring."

Sometimes we expect the impossible from ourselves.  We want to believe that we can keep the regimen up in any circumstances, that we don't need to make adjustments when legitimate difficulties present themselves.  This is pride, pure and simple, and it's not any less self-interested when it's applied to spiritual matters.

St. Benedict gives us permission to acknowledge our weaknesses and humble ourselves.  The goal is the salvation of our souls, the transformation of our consciousness, through the preservation of a balanced life.  This feels like a gift from a master pilgrim to all who walk the Path.

Br. Chad 2012