Today is the Feast of St. Benedict of Nursia (480-521 AD) the founder of the Benedictine Order. He was a monk, a scholar, and a theologian. His most enduring work is the “Rule of Benedict,” a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness which persuaded most Christian religious communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it. As a result, his Rule became one of the most influential religious rules in Western Christendom. For this reason  Benedict is regarded as the founder of Western Christian monasticism.

In the Prologue of the Rule we read: “Whenever you begin any good work…” and Benedict offers the following advice:

• make an appeal to Jesus to bring the word to perfection
• begin the work by being open to the “God-given light” of Scripture
• ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your endeavors
• while working to the end, avoid deceit and always seek peace and do not entangle your efforts with a bitter spirit
• accept the weaknesses of your co-workers and be patient
• try for the good of the team and do not vie for what is good primarily for ones self.

“Let them put Christ before all else; and may he lead us to everlasting life.”

Good advice then and now.

Image credit: Catholic News Agency