The Rule of St. Benedict at Work - Back to the Beginning - 2
Today, we'll continue working our way through the initial passages of The Rule of St. Benedict to help us successfully work our way into 2019.
When I prepare for the day's work, part of that preparation entails knowing the tasks that await me, along with how I will address each at the appropriate time. From time to time - typically as the week begins, I step back and try to organize things such that they will effectively accomplish the longer-term goals I've set. But before any of this, I try to take the time to remind myself that my work serves a higher purpose: the greater glory of God. In addition, I remind myself that this day's work should serve the welfare of my family, the benefit of my clients, and the common good.
The following from the Rule of St. Benedict can help us in our efforts to raise our eyes from their "downward" glance at those simple worldly tasks. They remind us to look "up" and engage our spiritual lives with our efforts in the material world.
We first remember the "good works" we are about to perform.
"Let us, therefore, gird our loins with faith and the performance of good works, and following the guidance of the Gospel walk in his paths, so that we may merit to see him who has called us into his kingdom.
Next, we recall that, no matter the location of our work, we all work in and for the Kingdom of God.
And if we with to dwell in the tabernacle of his kingdom, except we run thither with good deeds we shall not arrive. But let us ask the Lord with the prophet: 'Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle, or who shall rest upon they holy hill?' (Psalm 14:1)
Even in the midst of our busy day, we keep our mind and heart open to the promptings of His Holy Spirit, Who guides us through the day, giving us clear and practical instruction on how we are to comport ourselves, especially in relation to those with whom we work as well as others with whom we come in contact.
Then, brethren, let us hear the Lord answering and showing us the way to that tabernacle and saying: 'He that walketh without blemish and doth that which is right; he that speaketh truth in his heart, who hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbour, nor believed ill of his neighbour.' (Ibid, 2.3)
Strive to recollect yourself through the work day from time to time. Remember that God is with you. Ask for His help in doing your best work, with the purest intentions. Beg for the strength to resist any temptations you may have towards doing less than your best, or slipping into outright evil in the very moment you may be tempted.
He that taketh the evil spirit that tempteth him, and casteth him and his temptation from the sight of his heart and bringeth him to naught; who graspeth his evil suggestions as they arise and dasheth them to pieces on the rock that is Christ. (Psalm 136:9)
Look to Our Lord for the example of humility He gave us in His own life on earth, relying on God in all you do, giving Him the credit for all your good work and good works.
Such men as these, fearing the Lord, are not puffed up on account of their good works, but judging that they can do no good of themselves that that all cometh from God, they magnify the Lord's work in them, using the word of the prophet: 'Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give the glory.' (Psalm 113:9) So the apostle Paul imputed nothing of his preaching to himself, but said: 'By the grace of God I am what I am.' (Cor 15:10) And again he saith: 'He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.' (Cor 10:17)"
May our day's work express the spirit of the doxology we pray so often each day:
When I prepare for the day's work, part of that preparation entails knowing the tasks that await me, along with how I will address each at the appropriate time. From time to time - typically as the week begins, I step back and try to organize things such that they will effectively accomplish the longer-term goals I've set. But before any of this, I try to take the time to remind myself that my work serves a higher purpose: the greater glory of God. In addition, I remind myself that this day's work should serve the welfare of my family, the benefit of my clients, and the common good.
The following from the Rule of St. Benedict can help us in our efforts to raise our eyes from their "downward" glance at those simple worldly tasks. They remind us to look "up" and engage our spiritual lives with our efforts in the material world.
We first remember the "good works" we are about to perform.
"Let us, therefore, gird our loins with faith and the performance of good works, and following the guidance of the Gospel walk in his paths, so that we may merit to see him who has called us into his kingdom.
Next, we recall that, no matter the location of our work, we all work in and for the Kingdom of God.
And if we with to dwell in the tabernacle of his kingdom, except we run thither with good deeds we shall not arrive. But let us ask the Lord with the prophet: 'Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle, or who shall rest upon they holy hill?' (Psalm 14:1)
Even in the midst of our busy day, we keep our mind and heart open to the promptings of His Holy Spirit, Who guides us through the day, giving us clear and practical instruction on how we are to comport ourselves, especially in relation to those with whom we work as well as others with whom we come in contact.
Then, brethren, let us hear the Lord answering and showing us the way to that tabernacle and saying: 'He that walketh without blemish and doth that which is right; he that speaketh truth in his heart, who hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbour, nor believed ill of his neighbour.' (Ibid, 2.3)
Strive to recollect yourself through the work day from time to time. Remember that God is with you. Ask for His help in doing your best work, with the purest intentions. Beg for the strength to resist any temptations you may have towards doing less than your best, or slipping into outright evil in the very moment you may be tempted.
He that taketh the evil spirit that tempteth him, and casteth him and his temptation from the sight of his heart and bringeth him to naught; who graspeth his evil suggestions as they arise and dasheth them to pieces on the rock that is Christ. (Psalm 136:9)
Look to Our Lord for the example of humility He gave us in His own life on earth, relying on God in all you do, giving Him the credit for all your good work and good works.
Such men as these, fearing the Lord, are not puffed up on account of their good works, but judging that they can do no good of themselves that that all cometh from God, they magnify the Lord's work in them, using the word of the prophet: 'Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give the glory.' (Psalm 113:9) So the apostle Paul imputed nothing of his preaching to himself, but said: 'By the grace of God I am what I am.' (Cor 15:10) And again he saith: 'He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.' (Cor 10:17)"
May our day's work express the spirit of the doxology we pray so often each day:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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