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The Wisdom of St Benedict – Br. David Vyrhof
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Br. David Vryhof
The author of the Book of Proverbs tells us that there is much value in wisdom. Wisdom is not a given, something that all of us naturally acquire with age and experience. It is instead a treasure that must be desired and earnestly sought after.
“If…you cry out for insight,” the author of Proverbs instructs us, “and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures – then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
Wisdom comes from God. “The Lord gives wisdom,” Proverbs tells us, “from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” But wisdom can be passed along from one person to another. We can learn God’s wisdom from those who have learned it before us; we can seek it from those who have already found it. We can learn to live wisely and well from those who have actually done that.
St Benedict has guided monastics and other seekers along the path toward wisdom for almost fifteen centuries. He is an excellent resource for those who seek wisdom. The wisdom Benedict offers is not for mystics and saints alone. It is not the exclusive realm of those who choose to follow God along the monastic way. It is wisdom for all of us, wisdom that is found and practiced in everyday life. Here are three things Benedict teaches us:
- Listen. Listen to the voice of God, listen to the counsel of your elders, listen to the truth that has been discovered in ages past, listen to the authentic and life-giving voice within yourself. Listening is the key to spiritual growth. Learn to listen and you will soon become wisdom.
- Live a balanced life, with prayer at its center. Work diligently, as if serving God. Read, study and learn. Make God the chief desire of your heart, your heart’s deepest longing. Center yourself in the divine life, and you will become wise.
- Learn to live well with others. Human beings are meant to live in community, to share and grow together, to love and be loved, to give and to receive, to forgive and to be forgiven. Practice humility. Do not count yourself better than others but have a humble opinion of yourself and learn to serve. Practice hospitality. Welcome others as you would welcome Christ.
In such simple ways, in our common tasks, in our everyday interactions, in the routines of our daily life – this is where wisdom is to be found. This is where sanctity is acquired. This is where holiness begins.
Seek wisdom and pursue it.
BENEDICTINE VALUES (Here are some core values of Benedictine spirituality, an interpretation of each, and its reference in The Rule of St Benedict (RB). This list comes from the Benedictine monks of St John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN.)
AWARENESS OF GOD
To look for God not in the abstract but in the ordinary events of every day.
“We believe that the divine presence is everywhere.” RB 19
COMMUNITY LIVING
To become who we are by our relationships with others.
“Let all things be common to all.” RB 33
DIGNITY OF WORK
To appreciate the dignity of work in God’s creation.
“…they live by the labor of their hands.” RB 48
HOSPITALITY
To offer warmth, acceptance and joy in welcoming others.
“Let all…. be received as Christ.” RB 53
JUSTICE
To work toward a just order in our immediate environment and in the larger society.
“…that in all things God may be glorified.” RB 57
LISTENING
To hear keenly and sensitively the voices of persons and all created beings.
“Listen… with the ear of your heart.” RB Prologue
MODERATION
To be content with living simply and finding balance in work, prayer, and leisure.
“All things are to be done with moderation.” RB 48
PEACE
To strive for peace on all levels: with self, others and God.
“…seek after peace and pursue it.” RB Prologue
RESPECT FOR PERSONS
To respect each person regardless of class, background or professional skill.
“No one is to pursue what is judged best for oneself, but instead, what is better for someone else.” RB 72
STABILITY
To cultivate rootedness and a shared sense of mission.
“To stand firm in one’s promises.” RB 58
STEWARDSHIP
To appreciate and to care lovingly for all the goods of this place.
“Regard all utensils as if they were the sacred vessels of the altar.” RB 31
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