Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot
(Hosea 11:1-4.8e-9; Matthew 10: 7-15)
St. Benedict serves as much as a symbol of Europe as a model
and intercessor for Christians. Benedict
in a sense founded Europe by establishing monasteries in Italy which gave rise
to others throughout the continent. The
monasteries gave unity to the different lands.
Keeping record of the classical period in antiquity through copying its books
for their libraries and establishing schools, they also preserved for Europe
its cultural legacy. For good reason,
then, Pope St. John Paul II proclaimed one of the copatrons of Europe.
As Christian culture is being threatened by secularism and
even paganism, there has been a call to rekindle the Benedictine movement. Named the “Benedict option,” young men and
women are retreating to the country to form communities of like-minded people
where they may raise their families with Christian values. The movement is not meant to be massive. But it is hoped that it might nudge youth everywhere
to reconsider the fundamental principles of their lives.
We may not be young enough to seriously consider taking the “Benedict
option.” But we can incorporate Benedictine values into our lives. As Benedictines value the divine office, we
might consider making part of it our daily prayer. As they value hospitality, we might more
regularly invite people into our homes. By adopting
these practices, we will probably find our lives more satisfying and peaceful.
