Chapter 43: Late-comers for the work of God or in the refectory (paragraphs 1-3)
When the time comes for one of the divine offices to begin, as soon as the signal is heard, everyone must set aside whatever they may have in hand and hurry as fast as possible to the oratory, but of course they should do so in a dignified way which avoids giving rise to any boisterous behaviour. The essential point is that nothing should be accounted more important than the work of God. (Para. 1 of Ch. 43 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
Soundlessly and selflessly I turn to God. The more I do so, the more rediscover peace.
“ . . . nothing should be accounted more important than the Work Of God.” Nothing, indeed, Abba! But too often I have you play second fiddle to insignificant things like football, internet browsing, keeping up with the “news”, following those monkeys in my tree-brain. And you love your unique creation: me. You invite me today, again, to be with you. I love you. Accept the poverty of my love, still so much a little child as I am. What joy to be your imperfect little one!
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of this. This morning I ignored the alarm clock which supposed to be the signal for me to get up to prepare for the first thing of the day to recite the lauds. I gave in to the demands of the flesh to get more rest. Oh, Lord not my will but Thy Will be done.
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