Memorial of St. Benedict, Abbot

Benedict was a monk who spent a great deal of time learning more about monks by living with them, and reading about them.  He was very involved in monastic life, and tried to take it to different levels.  He is best known for his writing of the Rule—that became known as the Rule of Benedict. The rule of Benedict is still used in some monasteries and convents around the globe today. The Rule described how to live in community.  It establishes a way of life rooted in the Gospel and grounded in the scriptural principles of charity, humility, stability, and faithfulness.  The spirit of St. Benedict's Rule is summed up in the motto of the Benedictine confederation: pax (peace) and the traditional ora et labora  (pray and work). Peace, pray and work—these elements go well together.

This information about St. Benedict has some parallels to today’s reading.  Benedict is credited with the founding of twelve monasteries made up of twelve monks each in the area south of Rome.  Jesus
chose twelve apostles.  In today’s gospel he names them, and sends them forth to teach, to heal and to clean.  The apostles were simple fishermen who happened to follow Jesus…most of the time. 

Take some time to think about what OUR rule might look like.  Life according to me …
Consider:

• What is important to me?
• How do I spend my time?
• Do my actions impact anybody, and if so, how?
• What does God want from me—what is my purpose?