September 24

Chapter 6

The Rule of St. Benedict September 24

The "spirit of silence" that our Father Benedict instructs the disciple to cultivate is of a particular character. Benedictine silence is chosen for the sake of spiritual formation in oneself and in one's sister or brother.  The spirit of silence is kind and generous, not stingy, hostile, or resentful.  In other words, it's safe.  Safe silence, held in common, is a great gift.

Safe silence need not be comfortable, however.  Silence unlocks our veiled habits of thought and emotion, and sometimes it takes considerable work to feel safe without filling the space.

Rarely do words ring truer in my life than St. Benedict's quote from Proverbs 10:19: "In much speaking you will not escape sin."

To "hold silence," is to listen for direction in a conversation or a group from somewhere other than my own thoughts and words.  It is to be fully present and engaged without reaching for the steering wheel.

Br. Chad 2012