Understanding the ancient wisdom of intentional living through the example of St. Benedict's Rule of Life.
The idea of a Life Plan is an ancient one. It goes back to the Garden of Eden, when God advised Adam and Eve, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth' (Genesis 1:28). God has always offered his people a meaningful and purposeful guide to life.
To understand the historical and practical foundations of a Life Plan through the example of St. Benedict's Rule of Life.
In faithfully responding to the Biblical story for contemporary challenges, very few have compiled a guide to life that has stood the test of time for over 1,500 years! Born in 480, in Italy, St. Benedict of Nursia has become known as the father of Western monasticism due to the influence of his "Rule of Life," which became widely adopted in monasteries across Europe with the support of Charlemagne and is still the most widely used set of guidelines for monastic communities today.
The Rule offers guidance for how to live for God and order the affairs of the monastic community. As one source puts it:
"In considering the leading characteristics of this Holy Rule, the first that must strike the reader is its wonderful discretion and moderation, its extreme reasonableness, and its keen insight into the capabilities as well as the weaknesses of human nature. Here are no excesses, no extraordinary asceticism, no narrow-mindedness, but rather a series of sober regulations based on sound common-sense."
This wisdom led to tremendous vitality for Benedictine monasteries, generating tremendous longevity and fruitful labor. Many cathedrals, abbeys, and churches were the work of Benedictine builders and architects. Many regions have owed much of their agricultural prosperity to the skillful husbandry of the sons of St. Benedict. The term "Benedictine erudition" has been for long centuries a byword indicative of the learning and laborious research fostered in the Benedictine cloister.
Not everyone is able to join or is interested in joining a monastic community. However, that does not imply that we should also ignore the wisdom they can offer for our individualistic, frenetic, and distracted lives.
What does the Rule of St. Benedict show us?
**First**, the effort to intentionally live for God can pay dividends far beyond what we could ever ask or think. When we align our lives with God's plan, we become aligned with God's omnipotence and favor.
**Second**, it shows us that a Life Plan requires sacrifices. It must lead us to give up some of our autonomy and freedom. Following Christ costs us something: all our time, our energy, and our finances.
**Third**, a Life Plan depends upon our community. Culture cannot be created, preserved, or built without friends and family who share the culture with you.
**Fourth**, a Life Plan must lead to life. A wise Life Plan balances the demands it places on each individual with the benefits for the whole community. As Jesus put it, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10).
What do you most admire about St. Benedict and his Rule of Life?
What do you find to be the most intimidating part of the monastic example?
How can you incorporate wisdom from the Benedictine way of life into your own Life Plan?
Are you part of a community (perhaps a church or small group) with a shared Life Plan or Covenant?
Consider what aspects of St. Benedict's Rule might apply to your own life situation.
What would it look like to live more intentionally for God?
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