Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot
The Catholic Church today memorializes St. Benedict of Nursia (Italy). It is a day of solemn celebration for Benedictines throughout the world.
During his lifetime, not much fuss was made of Benedict. His achievements, most notably his Holy Rule for Monks, were barely known. His quiet witness and that of his followers only became apparent centuries after his death in 547.
His strength was humility, the place from which one can know, see, and speak with clarity. And the first step toward humility was fear of the Lord: fear of not knowing and understanding the Beloved—fear of lacking true wisdom.
By prayer, the contemplation of Scripture, and living under a Rule and an Abbot, a person began to put on “kindness, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another” (Colossians 3:12-13). With the support of other like-minded people, these notions were slowly extended beyond the monastery. Wisdom meant knowing “what is right and just, what is fair, every good path” (Proverbs 2:9); it meant “putting on love, that is, the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:14).
In this world, perfection will never be attained. But some people who come to these out-of-the-way places make the first step.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections