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Saints Alive! | St. Benedict of Nursia

Saint Benedict, the father of Western monasticism, built his own life of prayer and praise on the Word of God. He directed that all those who would follow in his footsteps, whether as monks or, in more recent times, as lay oblates, begin their daily prayer with Psalm 95 so that they might be reminded to keep open the “ear of the heart,” as it begins: "Come, let us sing to the Lord and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us. Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving and sing joyful songs to the Lord." For more about this great saint, the Father of Western Monasticism, and a great builder of Western civilization, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Posted on by Reason2bCatholic

Divine Office | Put Christ before everything

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from the Rule of Benedict, abbot (480 - 547). Benedict was born in Nursia, in Umbria, and studied in Rome; but he was unable to stomach the dissolute life of the city, and he became a solitary hermit at Subiaco. His reputation spread, and some monks asked him to be their abbot; but they did not like the discipline he imposed and tried to poison him. Benedict organised various small communities of monks and nuns in various places, including the great monastery of Monte Cassino. He drew up a set of rules to guide the communal life of monasteries. Although this was not the first monastic rule ever, the Rule of St Benedict has proved so wise and balanced that it has served as the foundation of practically every attempt at communal living ever since – and not only in religious communities. The Rule of St Benedict recognises that people aim at perfection but often fall well short of it, and aims to be a “rule for beginners” in which even the least perfect and least able can grow in spiritual stature. For a reflection, "Put Christ before everything," please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Posted on by Reason2bCatholic

Saints Alive! | St. Benedict of Nursia

Saint Benedict, the father of Western monasticism, built his own life of prayer and praise on the Word of God. He directed that all those who would follow in his footsteps, whether as monks or, in more recent times, as lay oblates, begin their daily prayer with Psalm 95 so that they might be reminded to keep open the “ear of the heart,” as it begins: "Come, let us sing to the Lord and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us. Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving and sing joyful songs to the Lord." For more about this great saint, the Father of Western Monasticism, and a great builder of Western civilization, please click on the image. Peace be with you!