Category Archives: Benedict’s Rule

At first glance, it might seem that the vow of stability would produce stagnation.  But for Benedict, the exact opposite is the case.  It produces creativity.  Why is this? Simply because it is as we focus ourselves that our minds … Continue reading →

Stability also provides perseverance. Benedict defined perseverance as the outward expression of the fruit of the Spirit of patience.  A patient person, he wrote, can put up with unfavorable or even unjust conditions and embrace the suffering that comes unfairly … Continue reading →

Ask almost anyone in the church today, and they will tell you that one of the most disconcerting things is the tendency of folks to “church hop”—to move rather indiscriminately from one alleged “hot spot” to another.  Laity are not … Continue reading →

The reality which stability provides is aimed at only one thing:  steadfastness.  De Waal writes of this on pages 56-58. Without stability (reality), our faithfulness will be sorely tested.  We can find ourselves becoming cynical (e.g. “why didn’t anyone tell … Continue reading →

The vow of stability provides a second major benefit:  it does not hide or delay the challenges that come with living an authentic spiritual life.  When the seeking brother was received into the community, he was “told all the hardships … Continue reading →

We begin a look at stability, one of the foundational Benedictine vows—and one sorely needed today. De Wall explores it in Chapter 4. It is impossible to calculate the damage done by the “prosperity gospel” (which is no gospel).  Disillusioned, … Continue reading →

Ask any prisoners freed from jail and they will tell you that some of their most vulnerable days were immediately following their release.  They were “free,” but free for what? Similarly, we are a people who crave to be “free.”  … Continue reading →