Rejoice in the Spirit of Benedict

On July 11, Benedictines across the world celebrated the Feast of Saint Benedict. The Rule of Benedict written centuries ago continues to attract people seeking spiritual formation. The spirit of Benedict and his message live today through our oblate community, Sunday Assembly members, retreatants and others who carry it in their hearts.

Perspective on Active Listening

How we pray the psalms reflects an intense commitment to listening with the ear of our heart and discovering connections to others through the recitation of scripture. We pray slowly at a steady pace, letting the words sink in. The pace and the practice encourage all to listen to others, follow their lead and pray the psalms in unison.

Perspective on Daily Prayer

Liturgy of the hours is central to Benedictine life. This daily prayer brings the community together at morning, midday and evening to praise God in song, psalms and readings. The silence after the psalms and readings allows time for listening and meditating on the word of God. These forms of prayer draw from the deepest wells of monastic spirituality, yet they are simple and accessible. In the spirit of Benedictine hospitality, the prayer of the monastery community is open to anyone.

Striving to Live Faithfully: A Muslim-Christian Conversation

Please share in our community by listening to the May Ecumenical Dialogue hosted at Holy Wisdom Monastery. The conversation brings together the Rev. Jay Rock and Imam Ronald Shaheed for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities Christians and Muslims face in relation to each other and to the world we all share.

Ronald Shaheed is the Imam of Masjid Sultan Muhammad and director of education at the Clara Mohammed School in Milwaukee. He works closely with Imam W.D. Mohammed in fostering interfaith dialogue and engagement in the United States and internationally. He is a knowledgeable and personable interpreter of Islam.

Jay T. Rock is coordinator of interfaith relations for the Presbyterian Church. He served as director for interfaith relations at the National Council of Churches of Christ from 1987 to 2003. With an academic background in the history of religious, he has also served as a congregational pastor and community organizer.

A "Little Rule for Beginners"

While living in Italy during the 6th century, Benedict of Nursia wrote a guide for community life, which he called a “little rule for beginners.” The Rule quickly became the foundation for monastic communities across Europe, giving direction for ordinary people wanting to live extraordinarily well.

Eager disciples came to Benedict’s small cave, seeking guidance in their search for God. Benedict and his followers founded monasteries for both women and men throughout Europe, which served as places of hope and hospitality and as a witness to God’s love during dark period of history. At Monte Cassino, Benedict wrote his monastic rule, drawing on many years of experience and wisdom toward the end of his life.

Today, the Rule of Benedict continues to serve as a guide for those who seek God individually and in community.

Perspective on Justice

Christ calls us to embrace the world and its people, regardless of differences. The Rule of Benedict expresses this call through its focus on providing hospitality and care for all people. By creating an environment of respect for each person and sharing resources with those in need, we can promote an awareness of justice and equality in our own community and around the world.

Perspective on Simplicity

Simplicity is integral to Benedictine spirituality. The Rule of Benedict calls us to devote our hearts to God; this single-heartedness can be challenging in busy, everyday life. Seeking to simplify our lives clears room in the heart and mind for reception of the Spirit, allowing us to turn to God and one another in love.