The Rule of St. Benedict: Chapter 66
Over the last year, I have felt much like the porter at our parish. The circumstances of my life have been such that I am physically at the church for most of the working hours of the week. I keep the front gate and door open, and when I hear the clicking of the latch, the squeaking of the hinges, and the banging of the heavy wood against the frame down the hall, I rise from my work and stand to greet whomever will appear momentarily at the entrance to the church office.
The disposition of the porter towards the visitor that our Father Benedict describes in this chapter is a tall order to fulfill. St. Benedict is not simply interested in a butler's formal, detached politeness, but in a genuine celebration of the presence of Christ in the person of the uninvited guest. Such a disposition cannot be snapped into place like a clip-on bow tie, but must abide already in one's heart, awaiting the opportunity to be called forth.
The role of the porter offers a view of an inner posture that St. Benedict desires for us all to assume. It is a posture that receives whatever may come with an eye for where God is in it. It is a posture that remains free from entanglement within the deadlines and agendas that keep us from perceiving and welcoming Christ in the moment.
Most of us have a busy day ahead of us. There is a lot to get done. Nevertheless, let us listen today for when when Christ comes banging through some door, and let us rise to receive his blessing.
Br. Chad
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