Listen with the ears of your heart

St Benedict. Saturday 11th July, 2020

The Rule written by St Benedict for the community which formed around him was, as he described it, a Rule for Beginners. It became a major influence across Europe and the World and is still followed by many religious women and men as well as laity. Some see it as a base for their lives and it is suggested that it is the influence behind the ethos of Alcoholics Anonymous. An editor of the Times years ago told me it was his mantra for staff relationships. It is considered a gentle rule: a rule which organises and orders a Community while also encouraging and guiding individuals within it to a way of life conducive to God centredness.

I was educated by Benedictines and I have nothing but praise for their humanity as well as for their sense of education. Today I feel that education and spirituality is too narrowed. Education is interpreted as a means to examination passes and as an entry to a career. Spirituality is seen by many as manifested in particular dogmas and rules of specific traditions.

The undoubtedly holy monks I have met have been God centred not Rule centred. Obedience to rules does not make one good or morally right. For example the guards of Concentration Camps were following orders and regulations instead of rebelling and fighting the system. In most if not in all religions the rules have at times justified fanaticism, war and even abuse.

For me the opening of St Benedict's Rule is the essence of it. "LIsten, my Son..." It is listening with the 'Ear of the heart'. All of us need to take responsibility for ourselves: we listen to advice but make our own decision.

I recall my Benedictine House Master. He was the most gentle of men yet with an integrity which made him a man of authority. He was a man of love who sought only the best for each individual within the collective good of the whole. He was more than able to turn a blind eye, to disregard a transgression, to ignore a rule yet he was of such stature that one would respond out of respect for him, knowing he cared and his priorities were just and fair.

He died recently. The last years of his life were sad as he was singled out for exile. A man of love and forgiveness became a man from whom many withdrew that very love and forgiveness. Maybe not a canonisable Saint he was yet a man who bore suffering, carried his cross and that of others and gave his life for many.

I celebrate today a tradition which was truly set out as a means and a guide to a true Christian life. Many Benedictines have failed for they are as human and able to err as us but many have passed on the mantel of a fully loving way of living with oneself and others.