Memorial of Saint
Benedict, abbot
(Isaiah 1:10-17; Matthew 10:34-11:1)
St. Benedict lived in the sixth century. Although he obviously had a charismatic
personality, few historical records exist attesting to his life. His legacy is largely his “Rule” which was written
as a blueprint not for an order of monks but for a way of life that any group
can follow. A famous tenet of Benedict’s
rule recommends welcoming the stranger. It
reads, “All who arrive as guests are to be welcomed like
Christ.” In today’s gospel, Jesus
assures his apostles that those who treat them with such deference will be duly
compensated.
Jesus recognizes that his preaching will not be easily
accepted. Forbidding divorce, for
example, will create many resisters. He
foresees his followers having similar trouble.
They will have to convince their hearers of the majesty of one who was
executed by the state! Yet he knows that
people seeking truth will find his words and deeds of divine origin. He tells his disciples that these people will
provide for their needs.
Much of Benedict’s “Rule” can be applied to the lives of
all Christians. We should balance prayer
and work. We should comfort strangers of
good will. We should be humble in our
demeanor as Christ was.
