1) They know that not one-size-fits-all. It is likewise through that response that one becomes free to be and develop as the person one is called to be. It underscores the tenets of Care ethics in conjunction with Benedictine Spirituality. As you read, pay attention to the one or two which resonate most for you today. It is the balanced spirituality that one finds in the Rule of Benedict that has made it attractive to many men and women throughout the ages. An essay by the Sisters of St. Marys Monastery in Rock Island, IL explains that the Benedictine practice of humility is the opposite of humiliation. The Ten Hallmarks of Benedictine Education. Sam Rahberg is former Director of the Benedictine Center and a spiritual director in St. Paul. Hence, conversion to Christ and response to his love through the power of the Holy Spirit are the goals of obedience. It is a spirituality that transcends ecclesiastical divides because it is rooted in religious sources that antedate the sometimes . Being poor with the poor has characterized many religious from the time of the Middle Ages, but Benedictines, because of their cenobitic life and their cultural inheritance, are often rich. Every four months, we begin again at the beginningso we read the Rulethree times every year. He realizes that attachment to oneself and one's talents or goods brings anxiety, a bondage that ties the human spirit down to the earth and allows no enlargement of either one's horizons or one's heart. We are all accountable as steward of creation, they tell us. Benedictine spirituality is a way of life that helps a person to seek God and his will daily. a. de vog, The Rule of Saint Benedict: A Doctrinal and Spiritual Commentary (Kalamazoo 1983). Encyclopedia.com gives you the ability to cite reference entries and articles according to common styles from the Modern Language Association (MLA), The Chicago Manual of Style, and the American Psychological Association (APA). published by Liturgical Press, by clicking here. Silence in Benedictine practice is knit together with listening and with prayer. Benedict's treatment of obedience must be understood in light of his understanding of authority. SUGGESTED BOX ON PRAYER The psalms eloquently express how we feel and how we think about life and time and God. Or, am I living a lie, allowing myself to be conformed to every whim and temptation of my fallen nature? To complete our personal transformation, we never stop changing. 0000000742 00000 n Yes, work, too, is a basic tenet of Benedictine Spirituality, Chris Sullivan nexplains in her blog post Work and Prayer in the Style of St. Benedict for Loyala Press. How are you feeling called to commit that value to practice in the days ahead? Stop the madness; listen to the God who loves you. In other words, the core of Franciscan spirituality is the universal call to holiness that all women and men receive at baptism. Obedience is a concept 21st-century souls dont generally like to consider. Co-Director of the Spirituality Center. c. smith, The Path of Life (Ampleforth, England 1995). There is a temptation to complicate it, to . The Benedictine practice of Liturgical prayer is one of Benedictine spiritualitys most visible, unmistakable hallmarks. The RB is saturated with Scripture and, as Esther de Waal has suggested in her book Seeking God: The Baptismal Invitation of the Rule of St. Benedict (Liturgical Press, 2009), the Prologue exemplifies this as a model of baptismal instruction. For example, Let us get up then, at long last for the Scriptures rouse us when they say: It is high time for us to arise from sleep (Rom 13:11), or Run while you have the light, that the darkness of death may not overtake you (John 12:35). Scripture and baptism undergird the Benedictine vision of Christian discipleship, a vision which relies on a prayerful orientation toward God and relationships which support us in Christ-centeredness. Through contemplative prayer, the monk becomes an emptiness so there is space for God as well as space for others. One of the sure signs of monastic maturity is the honest acceptance of one's need for other people in community. Benedict calls the monastery a "school" because it is the place where the monk is to be taught by God. The monk's own attitude toward his life then is one of stewardship. The Prologue through RB 7 are a foundational primer; RB 8-20 speak of liturgical prayer; RB 20-67 include teachings for the common life; and RB 68-72 offer a theology of monastic life with an emphasis on love (Prayer and Community: The Benedictine Tradition. Hence he is able to receive others in the community, including guests, with kind consideration. Benedictine Center is affiliated and operated in partnership with St. Pauls Monastery. Hence the monk must be poor psychologically because he realizes his dependence on others. The rhythm of life leads one to times of being alone and times of being in community. podcast at DiscerningHearts.com from the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory, Fr. 21 0 obj <>stream This model of [], [] rather than continually traveling on to somewhere else. But the monk's development, like that of all human beings, requires both material resources and the help of other people. Saint Clare of Assisi (16 July 1194 - 11 August 1253, born Chiara Offreduccio and sometimes spelled Clara, Clair, Claire, Sinclair, etc.) The third Benedictine value is conversatio morum, which translates to "conversion of life." This value involves a commitment to personal and spiritual growth, and it involves constantly seeking to improve oneself and to live in a way that is consistent with one's values and beliefs. In this article, I have merely collected and summarized what other, more experienced Benedictines have taught and published. Im interested in connecting person-to-person with others who share my values, who want to participate with me in building a meaningful network of relationships that will serve to support us on our spiritual journey. Quick and easy, no. It is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others. Finding God in All Things. For Benedict, prayer had a particular structure and process. I hope this list (compiled in September, 2018) is helpful, perhaps even inspiring. This listening is not merely an intellectual or rational activity; it is intuitive, springing from the very core of the monk's being where he is most open to God and most open to the word of life that God speaks. Therefore, its best to use Encyclopedia.com citations as a starting point before checking the style against your school or publications requirements and the most-recent information available at these sites: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html. This sounds like the universal call to holiness, the theme that began this article. 6v-7r of the Bodleian library in Oxford. Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. Benedicts rule calls us to a daily rhythm of listening, obedience, and conversion of life. You will likely recognize the timeless quality of the values which has caused them to endure for centuries and continue speaking to the many layers of our human experience (personal, familial, communal and societal). It acted and penetrated not as a legislative text imposed from without by authority but rather as a leaven by virtue of its intrinsic power. It is humility that makes us happy with what we have, willing to have less, kind to all, simple in our bearing, and serene within ourselves. It only takes 2-3 minutes to read her article. 480 to 547 CE in Italy. A crucial confessor and teacher for Ignatius very early in his spiritual journey was a French monk, Fr. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. There were also other forms of monastic life, but they were more or less eccentric in comparison with the two main types and sometimes led to abuse. The first and fundamental manifestation of such a vocation is a real separation from many aspects of the secular world. In his book Humility Rules: Saint Benedicts Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem, Augustine Wetta, a Benedictine monk, teaches, The sum of all virtues is reverence. In this 2-minute video, Father Mark Goring (Companions of the Cross) says This profound and humble [Benedictine practice of] reverence for all things is one of the great foundations of Benedictine spirituality. He explains that this reverence flows from prayer. The ideal of this pattern of conversion is meant to be incarnated in a special way for the community in the abbot, who is expected to be a symbolic center exercising a centripetal force that draws individuals into a truly Christian community of life for God and others in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Benedictines are called to strive for silence and have a love for silence. How are we being invited to swing back toward Christ-centeredness? Interviewed by Krista Tippett for her podcast On Being, Brother David talks about gratitude as the true wellspring of joy. This pattern of sharing is a basic characteristic of a cenobitic community. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B explains that obedience means to listen. It strives to answer questions about the meaning of life, how people are connected to each other, truths about the universe, and other mysteries of human existence. Downloaded from the web site of the Bodleian library: Created: 8th century date QS:P,+750-00-00T00:00:00Z/7, we acknowledge the primacy of God and look for God in the ordinary events of each day, Benjamin Schfer, who calls himself an intercessory musicianary, blog theologian, and pilgrim on the narrow road of learning to love, writes in depth about ways to foster awareness of God, requires that we never stop asking hard questions about our personal growth, The Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, Indiana explain the importance of community life in Benedictine practice on their website, Interviewed by Krista Tippett for her podcast, Kyle T. Kramer explains in his 2011 article for America Magazine that hospitality, for a Benedictine, An essay by the Sisters of St. Marys Monastery in Rock Island, IL explains that, Read the full essay to learn more about how humility helps us grow, This article on the Contemplative outreach website explains the history of, As Good Samaritan Sister Clare Condon writes, Listening with the ear of the heart, read more about the Liturgy of the Hours by clicking here. Just as all these people practice to become more proficient, spiritual seekers practice in order to become better at living a spiritual life. "Benedictine Spirituality Benedictine monks and nuns made a commitment to living in a specific location, within a specific community, as the context for their spiritual growth and development. Do you yearn for a good life, and do you desire to see good days? Of all creatures, the human person is in fact the neediest. The wisdom of Native Americans has often been quoted as a way of thinking about the long term implications of our present actions: What is the impact of our decisions on the seventh generation? We are called to consider ourselves part of Gods larger and longer story, living a legacy which was a gift to us and inspiring others who will follow. Benedictine spirituality is a fresh alternative in an increasingly fast-paced world. Poet/Writer. Characteristics of Benedictine Spirituality. Fr. U`` . Joan Chittister is the executive director of the company Benetvision, which serves as a resource and research center for contemporary spirituality; a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie; and a former past president of the Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. The Nazirite's spiritual disciplines included not drinking wine or eating grapes, not cutting . 22 Feb. 2023 . St. Benedicts chapter on humility is one of the longest in the, The Benedictine practice of Liturgical prayer is one of Benedictine spiritualitys most visible, unmistakable hallmarks. Benedictine obedience is ultimately directed not to other humans or to ourselves, but through the agency of others and the deepest yearnings of our own hearts, in love, to God. Out of these . It requires that a monk listens intently to the voice of God as it is manifested in the Sacred Scriptures and the teachings of his superiors. Nazirites (Numbers 6:1-21): Nazirites were of two types: those who were dedicated from birth to be a Nazirite (e.g. It is that same balance that has made it attractive today to those countless lay men and women who are not living vowed lives in a monastery but who are associated with Benedictine monasteries as oblates attempting to live their lives in the secular world according to the spiritual values set out in the rule. They pray the Office together, with no voice standing out above the others. Monastic Spirituality. Life in Benedictine monasteries was also deeply influenced by the clericalization of many of the monks and the episcopal ordination of many abbots. For the readers convenience, I will include only six of them here along with a simple explanation. This is not simply a change in my opinion or even in my ideological stance, but a much deeper change in my attitude, a real change in my way of being and doing. Listening is integral to the practice of conversatio, indeed to all the practices, which, as Laureen Virnig OSB teaches to Oblates in formation, are inseparable woven together to make of our spirituality a living tapestry. 4qAB0Lfb+ ``v@ BK j Although well into the middle years of an average life span, I am a rank beginner, a mere toddler in Benedictine practice. The resulting collection of ten core values - love, prayer, stability, conversatio, obedience, discipline . (February 22, 2023). The rule invites the monk to recognize the presence of God in his life, a presence which is neither gained or won or achieved but simply given. Listen to your body, to the negative and irritating things like our fatigues and headaches and muscle aches, revealing to us the lack of balance and health in our lives.. 1. Successful organizational . Tradition assigns no other end to monastic life than to "seek God" or "to live for God alone," an ideal that can be achieved only by a life of conversion and prayer. Benedictine detachment does not imply a disparagement of good things, nor a fear of their power, but rather a just appreciation of all things as gifts of God. Benedictines read a portion of the Rule of Benedict every day. It is specified solely by a commitment to God sanctioned by public vows. It appeared little by little wherever the Church took root, a spontaneous manifestation of the Holy Spirit urging Christians to become monks in response to the counsel given by Jesus in the Gospel: "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions , follow me " (Mt 19.21). We are moved to profound respect for the ways the Creator puts resources at our disposal to further the kingdom of God. Saint Benedict Benedict of Nursia lived from ca. This is a life devoted to the "Benedictine values of community, consensus, peace, balance, hospitality, humility, simplicity and care of the planet in our daily lives," Judith Valente writes in an article for Global Sisters Report. xref h|X+8v&yh{#||(E AM3. The website of Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas tells us, Modern monks like to point out that first word in the Rule is to Listen,which cant be done while talking! Humility helps be more authentically, beautifully, and lovingly human. That kind of movement toward moderation is especially important as we live the open and complex questions. When the monk has zeal for God, he will come to see that he is consumed not only with love for God but for everything and everyone else that God has created. A monk spends his whole life becoming humble. No one thingprayer, work, rest, studywas to be done in the extreme. Prosperity and ties with temporal society often led monasteries, especially the larger ones, to depart more or less from certain fundamental observances required by the rule, notably separation from secular society, real simplicity of life, and manual labor. Closely related to both listening and humility is the virtue of obedience. The abbot, elected for life by his monks, maintains supreme power and in all normal circumstances is accountable to no one. Benedictine spirituality is a fresh alternative in an increasingly fast-paced world. What does it mean for us to learn contentment with living simply? You can learn more about her in her Living Spiritual Teachers Project profile. Spirituality offers a worldview that suggests there is more to life than just what people . Because each style has its own formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia.com cannot guarantee each citation it generates. Columba Stewart OSB, the 73 brief chapters of the RB make up four major sections. By integrating their prayer and work, they manifest Christ's presence in society.". backgrounds including non-Catholic ones find deep spirituality in the Divine Office and the other Benedictine practices in the Rule such as the emphasis on work and lectio divina (slow prayerful reading), is difficult to state briefly. Sam has experience in parish ministry and holds a masters degree in theology from Saint Johns University (Collegeville, MN). Continue to Prayer and Community: Benedictine Spirituality (Part 2). Hence the spirituality that we find implicit in the Rule of Benedict was dependent in many ways on earlier sources, though he was certainly wise in what he incorporated and what he left behind. // stream model! Living a spiritual Director in St. Paul because these spiritualities are different not... The precepts of the sure signs of monastic maturity is the universal to... That we never stop changing I hope this list ( compiled in September, 2018 ) is helpful, even! Being invited to swing back toward Christ-centeredness one another sounds like the universal call to holiness, the Path life... West was slow from many aspects of the monks and the importance everything! & quot ; deeper prayer, contemplation, balance and the importance of everything do...

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