Saint Benedict, best known for his Rule, offers a balanced and practical approach to the spiritual life, encouraging the steady, faithful pursuit of holiness in the midst of the ordinary, writes Michael Andrews, Chancellor for the Diocese of Lansing and Benedictine oblate, upon the Feast of Saint Benedict (c. 480 - c. 547), July 11. The spirit of the Rule can be captured in several key phrases:
That in all things God may be glorified – a call to orient every aspect of life – work, relationships, joys, and sorrows – toward God, making daily living a continual offering of praise.
Ora et Labora, Prayer and Work – For Saint Benedict, the two form a unified rhythm of contemplation and action. Prayer sanctifies work by infusing it with purpose and an awareness of God’s presence. Work grounds prayer in daily life, preventing it from becoming detached or inattentive to opportunities to practice humility, attention to the present moment, and charity.
Pax, Peace – The harmony that flows from being in right relationship with God and neighbor, grounded in listening and obedience to his Word, cultivated in lectio divina, the contemplative practice of prayerfully reading Scripture to foster a living dialogue with God through listening, meditation, and response.
In a personally favorite passage Saint Benedict urges: We must make haste and do now that which will profit us for all eternity.
Saint Benedict, pray for us!