Memorial of St. Benedict, Abbot
Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of our Holy Father St. Benedict.
St. Benedict lived his entire life in Italy, at a time when the Roman Empire was collapsing and outside tribal forces were frequently sacking Rome. Public confidence in many of the social structures of the day (military, government, economy) was very low. Benedict was probably not the only one seeking stability in such chaos.
God had prepared Benedict with a desire to learn (in general) and to seek Him (in particular). He had been to school, where he gained some knowledge. Now God was calling him to take that knowledge and dig deeper for the understanding and wisdom of eternal things. Such as? Virtues (i.e., compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, thankfulness, and humility). Discernment. The Word of God. And where could wisdom and understanding be cultivated? In a school for the Lord’s service.
Many men and women have been called by the Spirit of God to enter such schools, or monasteries as they became known. With the help of others, one acquires the tools for good works (knowledge) and eventually knows how and when to use them (wisdom).
It is beautiful to witness the span of a monk’s life, from postulant to solemnly professed, and to see the monk grow from a pupil into a teacher.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections