Memorial of Saint
Benedict, abbot
(Hosea 10:1-3.7-8.12; Matthew 10:1-7)
St. Benedict founded monasteries. He also was responsible for the “Rule of St.
Benedict,” a description of the ideal monastic life. It might seem, then, that St. Benedict would
be honored as a man who promoted retreat.
His name, however, is associated with the evangelization of Europe. His legacy is similar to that of the apostles
whom Jesus sends out to preach in today’s gospel.
Evangelization is a multi-faceted project. It is more than telling people about
Jesus. Evangelization includes shaping a
culture responsive to the gospel. For
this to be done evangelizers must build churches and found schools. They have to influence government to allow
the people to practice their faith. And they
need to inculcate a sense of Christ being part of the people’s lives all day,
every day. Benedictine monks have been carrying
out these practices for fifteen centuries.
Many wonder if Christian evangelization has not come to
an end. In this time of globalization
societies are becoming more and more pluralistic. Moreover, young people in many western
countries are abandoning their Christian heritage. Christian customs and traditions have lost a
central place in much of Europe and North America. Yet Christian
culture cannot be lost. It has Christ
himself as its cornerstone. Furthermore,
its supreme value of self-sacrificing love is the deepest desire of the human
heart. We need other Benedicts to
retrace the way.
