Friend, Go up Higher: the Humble Life of Benedict

Benedict Feeds His Monks
Sodoma (1508)
It is a saying almost to the point of a cliche among Catholics that Christ did not write a book, but founded a Church. The communication of the Gospel does not begin with the Book, though it is
important, but with the Life of Faith, with the communion of the Church and the charity of Christians. The Book comes out of this Life as a guide and a record--a touchstone by which we are always returned to the center of the Faith. But Christ is present in the world first through the living witness of his Body--the Church.

In much the same way, our holy father St. Benedict's greatest legacy is not the written Rule, but the Society he founded. The Rule, beautiful as it is, comes after. I will probably never run out of reasons to encourage everyone to read the rule, but St. Benedict himself tells us that it is "only a beginning" (chapter 73).

The real instruction in Christianity is found in the life of all the saints who have gone before us, as St. Paul writes that we should imitate him, as he imitates Christ, by doing everything for God's glory, giving no offense to anyone, and pleasing all people in order to bring them to salvation (I Cor. 10:31-11:1). This rule that St. Paul gives forms the basis of the monastic life as both St. Benedict and his master, St. Basil, understand it: a balance of dedication to prayer, and the self-sacrificial service of others.

The service of our holy father Benedict is demonstrated to us in the living communities of prayer which survive to our own day, which uphold the world in prayer. It is known to us in the many schools and houses of hospitality which they have founded and continue to operate. It is known to us in the service and teaching authority of Benedictine priests which serve many of our parishes. It blesses us with new fruit, from the Cistercian-inspired contemplative thought of Cardinal Sarah to the active, service-oriented work of lay Benedictines like the Manquehue Apostolic Movement.

The men, women, and families which carry on the work of St. Benedict are the living testament of his dedication to Christ. They are the embodiment of both the physical service and the spiritual service of the Church, which does all it can to help, and then prays that God will fill up the gap. It strives, as St. Benedict instructed us, "to serve others in everything" (chapter 72), putting legs to Christ's teaching, "Whoever desires to be great among you must be your servant" (St. Mark 10:43)

The Triumphal Ascent of St Benedict
Rottmayr (1721)

The Benedictines are a better witness to the life and service of St. Benedict than the Rule or the Life.
Their humble service of all in the likeness of Christ is one of God's enduring gifts to the Church. And there should be no doubt that when God called him to the Feast, he took the humblest seat, and that when Christ saw where he sat, he called to him, "Friend, go up higher." (St. Luke 14:8-10)

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