December 6

Feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra

Chapter 54

The Rule of St. Benedict December 6

How appropriate that this chapter concerning the giving and receiving of gifts falls on the feast of St. Nicholas!  On this ancient feast from which are derived many of our Christmas traditions such as stockings and the giving of gifts to children, let us attend to that within us which needs to possess and which needs to control what comes to us.

These are mountains brought low to prepare the way of the Lord.

And let us also attend to that within us which feels unworthy to receive from the generous hand of God.  

These are valleys raised up.

When the Lord's path into or lives is level, we are able to receive God and bear God into the world, joyfully offering what has been entrusted to us for the benefit of all.

Br. Chad