Prefer Nothing to Christ
Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict
The story of the Rabbi’s Gift has been told and retold, making it a modern folktale. Here’s the basics of the story: a monastery is in decline. Only a few monks are left, carrying on their traditions without much vitality. A rabbi has a cabin at the edge of the monastery’s woods where he would occasionally go for prayer. One time the . . .
Without Delay
Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict
One monk told me being in a monastery is like being married to dozens of crazy uncles. You have a bunch of people living this common life together, and sometimes they disagree or don’t get along or misunderstand one another. Making it work requires them saying, “I’m sorry.” Obedience, too, must be practiced if their community is to stay . . .
The Presumption of Striking Another
Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict
I’m juggling two things in my mind right now: Christmas and the United States Presidential Campaign. On one hand I hear lots of talk about projecting strength and power in presidential debates, on the other hand I’m contemplating Christ’s incarnation as a helpless baby. Most of the debates between candidates for President are judged . . .
The Presumption of Defending Another
Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict
I knew a person who was often in the middle of controversies. There was a disagreement or misunderstanding, and she would find a way to insert herself into the problem. Whatever problem it was became more of a problem after she became involved. As one person said, “She really stirs the pot.” When she was confronted over her involvement . . .
Impossible Tasks
Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict
I mentioned a few months ago learning to play the drums, and learning drumming (or any instrument) is slowly making the impossible possible. Maybe there are individuals who can immediately play a drum kit with complete coordination and precision without any experience. I’m not that way, though. It’s complicated for me. Drumming is an . . .
When Returning from a Journey
Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict
Last year I visited a monastery and a different monk was filling in for the regular guestmaster. “Brother Timothy is away right now, so I’m filling in,” he said. “He’s in--I think--London right now.” I didn’t ask and the monk didn’t explain what took Brother Timothy to London. Monks do occasionally leave the monastery. Different monasteries . . .
Do Fence Me In
Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict
We are in a free agent culture. 40 or 50 years ago a person might have worked for one company, making a career and commitment to one business. Now workers change jobs every few years. Rarely does a person stay in one town her or his whole now. I’m a living example, having lived in five states, that we live in a mobile culture, not tied . . .