Feast with Benedict

Here we are celebrating the Feast of St. Benedict. July 11th is a big deal in monasteries of men and women. What does Benedict do for our world after all he lived more than 1500 years ago. Well believe it or not, he was a very graced person who wrote a Rule of life that is applicable to todays' living and will be so for many years to come. What was his secret? or his grace? Flexibility. Basically our Holy Father Benedict wrote his Rule in such a way that it applies to the spiritual life which is human life. If we need any tweaking it is said in the Rule that this should be done by the abbot which in our case as women is prioress.

One aspect of the Rule that is on our minds this week is to treat all things as "sacred vessels of the altar." It just so happened that we had a long visit with folks from Homegrown Prosperity: Renewable Energy Bus Tour. Their emphasis was to remind each of us to care for the earth God has given us so that human will be able to live quality lives for centuries to come. We were challenged to think about biofuels, solar, and wind energy. Of course we are a little ahead of the game regarding wind energy since we have now completed 11 years of using wind power generated by our own turbines. This does not stop us from being alert to better treatment of the environment as we consider building renovation options.

What are your thoughts about a Rule that is as good as gold after 1500 years? Any attraction to learning more about it? Our Pope Benedict was so impressed that he chose our Holy Father's name. Where do you stand?