Homily: The First Word of the Rule

The first word of the Rule is one of the most important words St. Benedict ever wrote: Listen.

Not work.

Not pray.

Not obey.

Not serve.

Listen.

That is exactly where today's readings begin. Proverbs tells us to receive God's words, to incline our ear, to seek wisdom as though searching for hidden treasure. Paul reminds us to let the word of Christ fill our lives completely.

The apostles, were not so great listeners… otherwise they would not have been arguing about who was the greatest among them just hours before Jesus was to suffer. 

Jesus Himself, on the other hand, listens perfectly to the Father, and because He listens, He knows that His place at the table is not one of privilege but of service. 

Listening should always lead to service.

I sometimes wonder if one of the greatest temptations in Benedictine life is that we stop listening because we think we already know. 

We know the Rule.

We know the schedule.

We know the psalms.

We know how Chapter goes.

We know the customs.

We think we understand our vows.

We're familiar with each other's strong points, but it's probably even easier for us to see where we each struggle. Our weak points.

Without realizing it, we can begin living on yesterday's listening. But St. Benedict didn't want the monastery to just be a place where old traditions were kept alive. 

He wanted it to be a place where people could learn and grow in their faith, a place where every day we're still learning to listen to Christ's voice, to serve others, to really love, and to follow his example.

It's a school of the Lord's service, where we're constantly learning and trying to become better servants of God, become more and more the hands and feet of Christ.

The foundation of the Rule is rooted in scripture and listening, and from this core principle of LISTENING, all other Benedictine values naturally emerge and unfold. 

If I stop listening to Christ, I will stop listening to my brother or sister.

If I stop listening to my brother or sister, patience becomes difficult.

Forgiveness becomes difficult.

Hospitality becomes difficult.

Mission becomes difficult.

Service becomes difficult.

Eventually, service becomes little more than duty. When we really let the words of Christ sink in, and transform us, something amazing happens. We start to feel more compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, and loving.

It's not just about trying hard to be these things, but about letting God's grace work in us.

Perhaps that is why Jesus says, "I am among you as one who serves." His service is not a strategy. It is the natural expression of His perfect communion with the Father. 

The same is true for us. Our work as missionaries, the way we welcome others, our life together, our prayers, the things we do to help others, and even our everyday tasks will only be truly effective if we start by listening.

The world needs many things from Benedictines. The world needs, our schools, retreat houses, missions, our hospitals, and ministries. It needs our example of community, of loving service. 

However, before anything else can happen, it's essential that we, as individuals, learn to listen deeply to God.  The world needs people who are willing to truly hear and understand His message.

That's always been the thing that comes first.

As we come together around the altar, we're reminded of our role as listeners. But before we can go out and serve others, we need to let Christ serve us first. 

He shares His message with us, and He gives us His body and blood to nourish us.

As we receive from Him, He sends us out into our daily lives, whether that's in a monastery, on a mission, at work, or at home.  

It is not just to get things done, but to listen more deeply to those around us. When we really listen to Christ, we start to serve others in the same way He served us. 

It's a beautiful cycle of listening and serving, and it's one that can transform our lives and the lives of those we touch. By listening to Christ, we're able to tap into His heart of service, and we're empowered to make a real difference in the world.

May our Holy Father Benedict, his Holy Sister Scholastica, pray for us that we may be good listeners in the school of the Lord’s service, and may our listening help us to bring Christ to those we daily encounter.

 ~ Fr. Adam Patras, OSB