In these final words of the Prologue to his Rule, our Father Benedict declares his intention to establish a school for God's service. In this school we learn to become a fit dwelling for our "homely and courteous" Lord. I will let Dame Julian of Norwich describe the experience:
For truly, it is the greatest joy that could be, as I see it, that he who is highest and mightiest, noblest and worthiest, is the lowest and meekest, homeliest and most courteous.
He cometh down to us, to the lowest part of our need. For he despiseth nothing of what he hath made. And he disdaineth not to serve us in the simplest offices that belong, in kind, to our body, for love of the soul that is made to his own likeness.
Although the curriculum in St. Benedict's school may seem difficult, we are never left alone in our need. The entrance to the way of salvation cannot but be narrow, yet with the help of God's grace and the movement of God's Spirit among us, "our hearts expand and we run the way of God's commandments with unspeakable sweetness of love."
Let us, then, enroll in our Father Benedict's school and learn how to receive the "familiar" Presence of Christ within.
Br. Chad
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