Venerable Benedict for Byzantines

St. Benedict is on of my favourite saints, so this year I am doing an article for his feast day.

We celebrate Benedict of Nursia on his death-day, the 21st of March (547 AD). Although Ukrainian Catholics on the new calendar celebrate him on the 14th. He was a monk in the 6th century, and founded the Order of St. Benedict. This order, which is still active today in both the East and West, follows the Rule of St. Benedict as composed by the saint himself.

Today I will share with you some highlights from the Rule of St. Benedict, that we can live out in our own domestic churches! Then, some prayers and tropars for St. Benedict, as well as a few ideas on how to celebrate this saint!

“Qualities of the Abbot”

You may be wondering why I am starting with St. Benedict’s chapter on the qualities of the Abbot. How does this apply to us, living outside a monastery? Well, just as the Abbot is the head of the monastery, the father is the head of the household. And, even if you are not the head of the household, these are still great qualities to try and hold up to.

First of all, St. Benedict advises that you remember that you hold the place of Christ [within your household]. In marriage, the husband and wife together form an icon of Christ. This message prompts us to remember the image of who God is calling us to be, both to each other, to our family, and to the world. Do I treat my family the way Christ would treat them if He were acting in my stead? I can definitely work on  remembering that I am raising my children for Christ.

Then, he reminds you to always remember the fearful judgement you will undergo regarding your teaching, and regarding the obedience of your household. As a mother, I am going to be held to account for the teaching and discipline of my children, but I don’t always think about that.

Reading the Rule of St. Benedict  is a good reminder of the depth of my responsibilities.

Next, Benedict commands that you strive always to bring your family closer to God. He states that you should show what is good and holy both by words and by example. A good abbot should do as he says, and not just say what is good to do. Benedict highlights the importance of loving all equally and avoiding playing favourites. Finally, St. Benedict reminds us to remember and know the difficult and demanding burden that we have taken on.

Tools for Good Works

St. Benedict has a chapter in his Rule about the tools for good works. This chapter reminds me of St. Paul when he complains that he does not always do the good he wants to choose to do. I also often have this problem, and probably we all do! Well, here are St. Benedict’s suggestions for preparing yourself to do the will of God.

First of all, love God with your entire heart, mind, soul, and strength, as well as loving your neighbor. Then follow the ten commandments, and discipline your body (so, fasting). Next, work at spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Do not seek revenge when you are treated poorly – instead, endure persecution for the sake of justice. In continuation of disciplining your body, do not eat, drink, sleep, or rest in excess. Avoid grumbling or speaking ill of others. Put all your hope in God, and give Him the credit for all that is good in your life.

Another tool St. Benedict gives as a tool for good works is Memento mori. He tells us to always remember our impending death and judgement day. In thus way we will keep watch over all our actions. And be ever aware of God’s constant gaze upon us.

St. Benedict advices us to guard our lips, that is, to speak truthfully and peacefully. Read holy works, pray often, and obey rightful superiors (even if, “God forbid!” they do not follow the truth of their own words). Strive to be holy, not to be called holy. Respect elders, and love the young. Finally, never lose hope in the mercy of God.

Obedience

St. Benedict calls obedience the foundation of humility, and explains that it comes easily to those who cherish Christ above all else. Benedict advise that we carry out commands from superiors as if God himself spoke to us. This means immediately put aside whatever we are doing to do what is asked of you. Also, Benedict warns us not to obey half-heartedly or sluggishly, as this will not please God. Instead, God loves a cheerful giver. So obey joyfully!

Restraint in Speech

Restraint in speech also has its own chapter in St. Benedict’s rule. Benedict reminds us that, as we pray in the psalms, we want to guard our tongue and lips. We should make all requests with humility and respect. And at all times we should avoid gossip and vulgarity.

Humility

Our goal is to climb to the summit of the ladder of humility, reaching the joy of eternal life. St. Benedict explains that the ladder of humility is the very same ladder in Jacob’s dream. He gives 12 steps to climbing the ladder of humility.

• Step one: keep the fear of God always before your eyes, and turn away from your own desires.
• Step two: love not your own will. But instead, love the will of God.
• Step three: submit to superiors in obedience. This obedience is joyful and without grumbling.
• Step four: embrace the suffering of obedience under difficult circumstances.
• Step five:  confess sinful thoughts entering your heart, and wrongdoing done in secret, humbly to your superiors. (Go to confession often).
• Step six: regard yourself as a poor and worthless workman in all given tasks.
• Step seven: be convicted in your heart of your inferiority. Do not just say, “God be merciful to me a sinner, of whom I am the first.” Believe it.
• Step eight: do only what is endorsed by the common rule of the family, and what follows the example of your superiors.
• Step nine: have control of your tongue, and remain silent. This is the first of three steps regarding guarding thy lips.
• Step ten: do not be readily given to laughter. (I don’t know that I fully understand why St. Benedict was so worried about laughter. Is this about self control? If you know, let me know in the comments).
• Step eleven: speak gently, seriously, and modestly, briefly, and reasonably
• Step twelve: be humble in posture, always remembering like the publican that we are not worthy to look up to heaven

Celebrating St. Benedict

There are even more incredible insights and spiritual directions within the Rule of St. Benedict. So if you are ready to learn more about this great saint, check out the Rule of St. Benedict. It is actually a very short read, so don’t feel intimidated by it!

On the feast of the Venerable Saint Benedict, pray for humility. You can also pray the prayers and tropars of the day, listed below.

Prayers and Tropars for St. Benedict

Troparion: (tone 1)

By your ascetic labors, God-bearing Benedict, you were proven true to your name. For you were the son of benediction, and became a rule and model for all who emulate your life and cry: “Glory to Him who gave you strength! Glory to Him who granted you a crown! Glory to Him who through you grants healing to all!”

Kontakion: (tone 6)

O sun that shines with the Mystic Dayspring’s radiance, who enlightens the monastics of the western lands. You are worthily the namesake of benediction. Purge us of the filth of passions thoroughly by the sweat of your illustrious accomplishments, for we cry to upi: Rejoice, O thrice-blessed Benedict.

Prokeimenon: (tone 5)

You, O Lord, will guard us, and will keep us, from this generation, and forever.

Verse: Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer left a just man.

The Byzantine Life

Thank you for checking out this week’s article. If you haven’t already, you can read about the feast of the annunciation, coming up on March 25th. Our some of out Great Lent articles including our organizing through Lent and Great Lent Traditions.

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