Who is Benedict - A general for the 21st century?

Monte Cassino today (Rebuilt after WW2)

Benedict of Nursia ( 480-543) is the founder of the first Benedictine monastery between Naples and Rome called Monte Cassino. This weeks reading comes from his famous writing  The Rule. This provides clear, direct and effective disciplines for living a holy life. The Rule was to form the basis of how future Benedictine orders were to run for hundreds of years. The Benedictines still exist today and largely adhere to the principles of The Rule. Such has been the lasting impact of St Benedict.


This particular passage dealt with humility based on the metaphor of "Jacob's Ladder". There are 12 steps to the development of humility.
We each have a call to ascend the ladder of humility based on "he who humbles himself will be exalted." The way of ascending Jacob's ladder is humility.

1. Our first step to humility is reverence to God. Constant reverence as the way to stay away from hell. So let us live in faith with God. Much as Peter walking on water, we must keep our eye upon Jesus and act appropriately. This is so basic, but so overlooked.
2. The second step is doing God's will: As disciples of Jesus Christ this would seem obvious, because as followers of Jesus we would seek to emulate him. Jesus said "I only do what I see the Father do." If we let our "self will" run riot we will be in trouble long term!!
3. The next step  is obedience to others. This is a really interesting concept in the 21st century as we tend too not like the concept of obedience. We value our independence not dependence, we prefer to do our own thinking and decision making, However in a spiritual sense being under authority of those above is essential to being able to utilise all that God has to offer, so this makes perfect sense.To understand authority we must be under authority.
4. Enduring affliction: accepting the hardships of the commandments and enduring with patience the injuries and afflictions that we face. In an age that worships comfort and the easy way this would seem an anathema, quite contrary to our surrounding culture. To a culture that values the fast way, enduring and patience would seem to be over the top. Yet that is what scripture calls us to. 
5. Humility is confession. We are to keep no secrets from to one to whom we confess! Wow that makes a big assumption in this day and age, that we actually have anybody including God that we confess to at all! Confession is not often preached in my experienced and probably less often experienced. Yet to me this is such an important part of the Christian experience, so who actually knows you inside and out? this is a level of intimacy that cannot be developed or experienced any other way. Somebody who knows you and loves you "warts and all". Do you have like that someone in your life? It may be a challenge to think about. We are as authentic as we are transparent!
6. This sixth step is Contentment: Now from a Benedictine perspective he speaks of being content with the meanest and worst of everything. We would have to mindful of our own lowliness, considering ourselves lowly and meek. This is certainly not a particularly 21st century Christian concept. However if we transpose this towards being content and thankful for what we have. I think we are able to utilise something very powerful in our Christian walk releasing the power of thanksgiving in our lives through being content! The next of the six steps are probably more directed at the Benedictine order as a Monk would interpret it, so I have just listed them.
7. Humility through self reproach.
8. Humility through obeying the Common Rule.
9. Humility of Silence - while undoubtedly a spiritual discipline, I feel this is part of the Common Rule in this case.
10. Humility through seriousness
11. Humility through simple speech.
12. Humble through appearance.

The first six of these steps I believe are actually fundamental to our Christian faith, whether popular or not. Developing humility as away of life would bring many things to our faith. Firstly it would make our general Christian walk better on a daily basis. Secondly it would mean as Jesus and Benedict intended that we could effectively function as a community, interdependent not independent. Last and certainly not least from my perspective it would equip the Church for war. Placing us on the warfare footing we so desperately need in the 21st century. As the enemy comes against us we would stand our ground on the outworked truth of God.

And you know what, we would WIN!

Until  next time.

Paul