September 21

Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Chapter 4 pt. 4

The Rule of St. Benedict September 21

Today's list of tools mostly pertains to interpersonal matters within the community, and it's clear that our Father Benedict does not expect such matters to be a cake walk.  It requires constant vigilance--employing these tools "unceasingly day and night"--to keep the inner states of hate, jealousy, contention, and haughtiness at bay and to cultivate those of respect for seniors, love for juniors, prayer for enemies, and peace with adversaries.

We Benedictines are given the great benefit of having a workshop provided for us in which we are able to apply these tools.  We canons do not have an enclosure, per se, but we have stability in the community that is made manifest in our common practice and unity of intention.  As with any benefit, however, what we get from it is what we give to it.

St. Matthew had to get up from the tax collector's booth, in front of everyone, and walk away to follow Jesus.  Let us, in like manner, with all diligence and resolve, arise from our tasks that lead away from what "God has prepared for those who love him," roll up our sleeves, and get to work where Christ has called us to labor.

Br. Chad 2012