Today we read my wife’s favorite passage in the New Testament The reason it is her favorite is because of the hope that it gives. No love is greater than this. Jesus’ point is that if the birds of the air are taken care of, how much more will we be protected as human beings. I have no idea how many hairs are on my head but God does. It is this hope that brings us through chaotic times. Chaotic describes well the time of today’s saint.
Who is Saint Benedict
Benedict of Nursia was born in Central Italy in the year 480. He founded 12 monasteries in the area of Lazio which is East of Rome and moved south to what many remember him for his monastery at Monte Cassino. He of course wrote what is now known as the Rule of Saint Benedict. It was instructions for living in a community while living under the authority of an Abbott. This rule was heavily influenced by other books of the time. However, he brought to the table a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness, which persuaded most religious orders and communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it.
As a result, Benedict’s monastic rule became one of the most influential in Western Christendom. Its wisdom is twofold: spiritual (how to live a Christocentric life on earth) and administrative (how to run a monastery efficiently).More than half of the chapters describe how to be obedient and humble. For instance, Chapter 7 divides humility into twelve steps forming rungs in a ladder that leads to heaven.
Joining with Jesus
This combining of a Christ Centered life along with humility and obedience lead to the hope of our lives. Eternity in Heaven. It is evident that this hope is directed toward God at all times. Today’s Gospel shows we who ask and hope for it are protected by God at all times. A list of Benedicts patronages again points towards the help that Christ will give… Benedict is the patron saint:
Against poison, against curses, Dying people, Fever, Gall stones, Inflammatory diseases, Kidney disease, various continents and countries, and of course Monks and People in religious orders.
Conclusion
Saint Benedict is remembered in many ways depending on your age and your upbringing. But His life should be a time to remember the Hope in which we have in God and how we show this hope. Not in vain glory or by trying to outdo and out perform the other… but by living humbly and being obedient to those we should be obedient to. The wisdom of St Benedict comes from his love of Christ and the sacrifice made for each of us. Jesus says to all of us Do not be afraid, whoever acknowledges me I will acknowledge to my Father. We have hope in our humility and obedience.
