Today is the feast of St. Benedict of Nursia in the pre-Pope Paul VI Catholic calendar. Benedict’s rule for monks became absolutely foundational to Western monasticism for more than a thousand years.
Benedict’s rule was so popular partly because it was designed to be less demanding than many previous guidelines, a Rule that most people could follow, versus the admirable but severe rigors that only a few could or would endure in previous monastic life (like the desert hermits). But certainly Benedict’s own holiness and example also played a role in inspiring many to follow in his footsteps and devote their lives to God.
With the help of his sister St. Scholastica, Benedict founded Western monasticism, the monasticism that ultimately preserved and handed down ancient and medieval culture, both pagan and Christian, for future generations. Benedict’s rule and road to Heaven can be summed up in three simple words: “Ora et labora (pray and work).” These three words are excellent advice for Christians still today, whether living in a monastery or as a layperson in the world.
From CatholicSaints.info:
“[St. Benedict was born c. 480 AD] to the Roman nobility. Twin brother of Saint Scholastica. Studied in Rome, Italy, but was dismayed by the lack of discipline and the lackadasical attitude of his fellow students. Fled to the mountains near Subiaco, Italy, living as a hermit in a cave for three years; reported to have been fed by a raven. Friend of Saint Romanus of Subiaco who lived as a nearby hermit; spiritual teacher of Saint Placid. Benedict’s virtues caused an abbey to request him to lead them. Founded the monastery at Monte Cassino, where he wrote the Rule of his order. His discipline was such that an attempt was made on his life; some monks tried [to] poison him, but he blessed the cup and rendered it harmless. He returned to his cave, but continued to attract followers, and eventually established twelve monasteries. Had the ability to read consciences, the gift of prophesy, and could forestall attacks of the devil. Destroyed pagan statues and altars, drove demons from groves sacred to pagans. At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. A summation of the Rule: ‘Pray and work.’”
Each one of us is called to pray and work in his own capacity, in his own role. Modern America is in crisis because we have forgotten this simple maxim. Many Americans—especially young people of my generation—are becoming lazy, either doing poorly at the jobs they have or being disinclined to work altogether. No longer do we remember the words of St. Paul (2 Thess. 3:10), “if any man will not work, neither let him eat.” We demand ever more leisure and privileges and conveniences for a lower quality of work. Proverbs 14:23 warns us, “In much work there shall be abundance: but where there are many words, there is oftentimes want.” St. Benedict understood that, and so should we.
But both Americans who work hard and those who are lazy are often irreligious or only loosely practicing. God is not a dispenser of pleasures whom we occasionally remember when it suits our convenience. He demands our whole selves, our whole lives dedicated to Him. He is our Creator and must be the center of our universe. Jesus said in the Gospel of Mark (12:30), “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength…Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Love is not mere emotion but also action. If we truly love God and His people, we will attend Mass, do works of mercy, fast, pray, and follow the other commands given to us by Jesus through the Bible and through the Church.
America is being taken over by evil, anti-religious, selfish people, more influenced by the demonic than the divine. Now more than ever we should rend our hearts, not our garments (Joel 2:13), and return to the Lord God, vowing that we will follow in the example of St. Benedict to “pray and work.”
Wow. Thank you!