Benedictine spirituality has always been attractive to me. This is no wonder, since a great number of Episcopalians feel drawn to this kind of spiritual discipline. I think we like this “brand” of spiritual discipline because it allows us to practice the spiritual life in the context of our own lives, that is, Benedictine spirituality lends itself to our daily rhythms and routines.
A book entitled, “How to be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job” by Brother Benet Tvetden, describes the Benedictine Way thusly:
The entire Rule of St. Benedict is centered on Christ and the Christian life. That’s why everyone—not just monks and nuns—can benefit from following it. Benedict added nothing new to Christian doctrine. He preached gospel values applied in an orderly fashion to everyday life. His way of living is similar to that of the early Christians who are described in the Acts of the Apostles. They devoted themselves to holding all things in common, breaking bread together, and praising the Lord. Benedict is focused on Christ in prayer, work, and in familial relationships. Seek Christ, Benedict insists, but he realizes that you don’t have to go very far to find Him. His image is reflected in ourselves and in everyone else.
My ecclesiology (that is, theology of the church community) greatly hinges on Acts 2. I’ve taught this, written on it, and preached about it. Acts 2 speaks to our common life, the expectations of fellow Christians, and even encouragement of welcoming guests and newcomers to be counted among Christ’s Body. Read Acts 2:42-47 and you will see what I mean. Brother Tvetden describes the life of Benedict and of early Christians rightly by referring to Acts 2.
When we open our hearts and minds to the reading of Acts 2 (especially to vv. 42-47) we see a comprehensive image of the church that the Holy Spirit breathes into being. We are reminded in the words according to St. Luke of what good, healthy church life looks like. Breaking bread together; praying for one another; sharing our bounty; and inviting others into the community.
The Benedictine way has three main points for living healthful Christian lives: work, study, prayer. Benedict insisted on a balance to our lives. Since God is reflected in all others—and in our Anglican spirituality, all of nature and our sensory experiences— then God is surely found in our daily lives of work, relations, and certainly our spirit-work. In our contemporary, western culture, work toward success, and work to just make ends meet, can overwhelm us and rob us of our relationship with God. I think this is why we find Benedict’s Rule so attractive. We crave balance, because we crave God and yearn for a closer relationship to God. Our hard work, our fervent busy-ness, our addictions and procrastinations are evidences of our yearning. Benedict calls for a balanced life, so that activity such as prayer and service to others doesn't fade and become forgotten. In a balanced life, our spirituality is always on our minds and practiced regularly.
As we enter this season of reflection, thanksgiving and stewardship, there is no better time to think about balance in our lives as followers of Jesus and children of God. As we enter the fall season, we will begin adult and children’s education each Sunday; Bible Study each Tuesday, several opportunities for service to our neighbors and to our fellow members, vibrant and meaningful worship, and many other opportunities to tend to our spiritual lives that will reflect our Creator in each other and in our common work, study, and prayer life.
Seek Christ, Benedict insists, but you don’t have to go very far to find Him. His image is reflected in ourselves and in everyone else.
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