Hello, hope all is well.
Today we remember the founder of Western monastic life. St Benedict wrote a rule of life for monks and nuns which is still practiced today.
As a former monk, this feast is special. Even though I left the monastery I believe the life I lived there taught me many important elements that I have held onto in the years as a priest.
There is a motto that St. Benedict taught his brothers and sisters which goes, “Ora et Labora”. “To pray and work.” He goes on to tell his brothers and sisters “He who labors as he prays lift his heart to God with his hands.”
Though early monastic life would seem to us today to be extreme, Benedict always reminded his monks and nuns, “Be careful to be gentle, let in removing the rust, you break the whole instrument”
Those words could very well apply to us today. As we attempt to better ourselves, we sometimes can overdo it. As a physical therapist once told me “be careful not to overdo it, because that is when you get in trouble.”
Maybe we can ponder these words of St. Benedict today to work and pray. Yes, the most meaningless tasks can be the most beautiful prayer.
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Vinnie, fcm and the
Bros and Srs of the
Franciscan House of Prayer.
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