Books to read: The Holy Rule of Saint Benedict

Photo: Wikipedia Commons.

We don’t have a tradition of monks in the Presbyterian tradition—but the early Church was full of them with wisdom still relevant to us today.

One of those important monks was Benedict of Nursia. He was the sixth century abbot—presiding monk—of Mount Cassino in what is now central Italy.

Benedict started about forty monasteries around Rome before settling in Mount Cassino.

Long after his death, many men and women created their own faith communities—independent of each other—based on Benedict’s philosophies as written in his book, The Rule.

These communities are now called Benedictine.

Because these communities are independent of each other, Benedictines technically don’t make up one single “religious order” in traditional language. Rather, they are communities that just so happen to share a common philosophy founded by the same person.

There are both Catholic and Protestant Benedictines, too!

Some are priests and brothers, some are nuns—but many are lay people like you and me.

There are even Presbyterians who are personal oblate Benedictines, not connected with a monastery, but nevertheless use The Rule as a guide for everyday life.

The book was considered so good that the Church changed the title of the book to The Holy Rule of Saint Benedict.

The Rule is a classic in Christian literature and is recommended reading by almost all mainline Protestant churches.

Those who don’t use it as part of a monastery consider the book a guidebook for Christian discipleship and a source of wisdom for all people who desire to live a good life.

One of the main themes of The Rule is the balance of prayer, work, study, and leisure.

Benedict emphasizes that work is a valued and integral part of the human experience, and that manual work is a form of holy prayer.

In a monastery, each person is given work assignments according to their abilities and talents—making the monastery as independent and self-supporting as possible. Work is crucial because it contributes to the common good of the monastery—or the larger community and society.

The Rule can be relevant to working people today in many ways.

First, it can help us find meaning and purpose in our work, and to see it as a way of serving God and others.

Second, it can inspire us to seek excellence and quality in our work, and to use our gifts and talents for the glory of God.

Third, it can teach us to balance our work with other aspects of our life, such as prayer, study, and leisure, and to avoid overwork or idleness.

Fourth, it can encourage us to cultivate a spirit of humility, obedience, and charity in our relationships, and to respect the dignity and rights of our co-workers, employers, and customers—or our family members, friends, and acquaintances.

The Rule is not only a rule for monks, but also a rule for life. It offers practical advice on how to live a balanced, harmonious, and fruitful life in any situation or occupation.

By following The Rule, working people today can experience the peace and joy that come from living according to God’s will.