Dear brothers and sisters, as we gather today to honor the feast of Saint Benedict, his holy legacy reminds us of the importance of seeking truth, wisdom, and eternal life. Our readings today offer us a powerful message on these themes.
In the book of Proverbs, we are called to "apply our heart to truth" (Prov 2:2). This is a call to serious spiritual reflection, to tune our ears to wisdom and seek it with all our hearts. The Lord himself is the giver of wisdom, and he promises to keep his help for those who seek him with a pure heart.
Saint Benedict, born in Nursia, Italy around 480 AD, was a man who exemplified this pursuit of truth. As a young man, he was drawn to the monastic life and eventually founded the Order of Saint Benedict, which would become a beacon of spiritual guidance for countless generations.
As he wrote in his Rule, "the Lord's service is perfect freedom" (Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 4). For Benedict, this meant dedicating himself to a life of prayer, work, and community. He sought to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and he encouraged his followers to do the same.
In today's Gospel reading from Matthew, we hear Jesus promise that those who have left everything to follow him will be repaid a hundred times over and inherit eternal life. This is not only a promise of material reward, but of spiritual fulfillment. How many times in my own life as a Franciscan Friar have I experienced this heavenly providence and protection, and the blessings which come to a priest through the administration and celebration of the sacraments with God’s precious children. And as if those blessings aren’t enough, the Lord goes on to further promise, that those who have dedicated themselves to following him and working with him to build the Kingdom, will be granted a share in his eternal kingdom, in paradise forever—bliss without end!
Saint Benedict knew that this gift was tremendous and that the path would not be an easy one. It required discipline, perseverance, and humility. Yet he also knew that it was the only way to truly find the kind of peace and happiness that God, as our Father in Heaven, desires for us.
"The beginning of all good is love!" What a beautiful and profound statement! This is the opening phrase of the Prologue to the Rule of life given by Benedict to anyone who desired to embrace the monastic form of religious and consecrated life. The rule is a foundational text of Western monasticism. Written in the 6th century, it outlines the principles and practices for monastic life, providing guidance on how to live a virtuous and holy life.
This opening sentence sets the tone for the entire Rule, emphasizing that love is the foundation of all good works. In other words, all virtuous actions, charitable deeds, and spiritual endeavors begin with a foundation of love. This love is not just a feeling or an emotion but a conscious choice to prioritize the well-being and good of others above one's own interests.
In the context of monastic life, this means that monks and nuns are called to live a life of selfless love, surrendering their own desires and ambitions to serve God, their community, and the Church’s faithful by their incessant prayers on their behalf. They are encouraged to cultivate a deep sense of compassion, kindness, and humility, recognizing that their individual well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of others.
Beyond the monastic context, this phrase can be applied to our daily lives as well. It reminds us that our actions, big or small, should be motivated by love. Whether we're working with others, engaging in community service, or simply interacting with those around us, we should do so with a heart filled with love.
In practical terms, this might look like: Offering a smile or a kind word to a stranger; Lending a helping hand to someone in need; Practicing patience and understanding with those who may be difficult to get along with; Volunteering our time and resources to support a good cause; Showing gratitude and appreciation for those who have helped us.. etc.
When we act from a place of love, we create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that can spread far beyond our immediate circle. As Saint Benedict's Prologue suggests, the power of love can transform our lives and the world around us.
As we celebrate the feast of Saint Benedict today, let us take inspiration from his example. Let us seek truth with all our hearts, applying ourselves to wisdom and virtue. Let us be willing to leave behind the things of this world and follow Jesus with humility and faithfulness and emulate his sacrificial love as best as we can. It may not be easy, but I promise you, it will end with the reward of everlasting life in perpetual bliss in heaven with our Lord who has loved us more than we will ever understand. Saint Benedict, pray for us. Our Lady, Queen of all Contemplatives, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.
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