Now We Have Written This Rule
The Rule of St. Benedict is a minimum standard for beginners to attain a degree of virtue and the rudiments of the religious life, with the goal of progressing to loftier heights of doctrine and virtue.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of following the Rule as a foundation of virtue and religious life in monasteries. He highlights the teachings of the holy Fathers and the divine inspiration found in the Old and New Testaments as guides to perfection. St. Benedict acknowledges the tools of virtue provided by the writings of the Catholic Fathers and the Rule of holy Father Basil, urging diligent pursuit of a life dedicated to God.
Text
Now we have written this Rule
in order that by its observance in monasteries
we may show that we have attained some degree of virtue
and the rudiments of the religious life.
But for those who would hasten to the perfection of that life
there are the teaching of the holy Fathers,
the observance of which leads to the height of perfection.
For what page or what utterance
of the divinely inspired books of the Old and New Testaments
is not a most unerring rule for human life?
Or what book of the holy Catholic Fathers
does not loudly proclaim
how we may come by a straight course to our Creator?
Then the Conferences and the Institutes
and the Lives of the Fathers,
as also the Rule of our holy Father Basil --
what else are they but tools of virtue
for right-living and obedient monks?
But for us who are lazy and ill-living and negligent
they are a source of shame and confusion.
Whoever you are, therefore,
who are hastening to the heavenly homeland,
fulfill with the help of Christ
this minimum Rule which we have written for beginners;
and then at length under God's protection
you will attain to the loftier heights of doctrine and virtue
which we have mentioned above.
Sermon Outline
- The Purpose of the Rule
- The Teaching of the Holy Fathers
- The Rule of St. Basil and Other Tools of Virtue
- The Path to Perfection
- Beginners should fulfill the minimum Rule with Christ's help
- Under God's protection, one will attain loftier heights of doctrine and virtue
Key Quotes
“For what page or what utterance of the divinely inspired books of the Old and New Testaments is not a most unerring rule for human life?” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Whoever you are, therefore, who are hastening to the heavenly homeland, fulfill with the help of Christ this minimum Rule which we have written for beginners;” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“But for us who are lazy and ill-living and negligent they are a source of shame and confusion.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Beginners should fulfill the minimum Rule with the help of Christ to hasten to the heavenly homeland.
- The Rule of St. Basil and other tools of virtue are essential for right-living and obedient monks.
- Lazy and ill-living monks should strive to overcome their weaknesses and fulfill the Rule.