The Tool: The early monastics such as John Cassian (360-435) encouraged the practice of noticing the head of the thoughts, the very beginning of them, and so be able to choose to approve and adopt them or, as Benedict says, to "dash them against Christ" (Prologue 28). As a thought emerges, we catch it before it catches us and sends us down a path contrary to one that Jesus would walk. For example, we are in a situation where someone is doing or saying something that we disagree with. Judgment springs into action and we think, "What a stupid idea! Is she nuts?"  We would catch this thought right then before it goes even further to spin a story of derision against the idea or the person. We then have the freedom to explore what we might learn from this person or appreciate their point of view.

So, to use this tool, be on the lookout for the very beginning of your thoughts, especially in situations where you feel that you have the "right" approach or idea. Notice the thought, pause, take a breath and try your best to be open to the person or situation. When we can do this, I trust that a thing of beauty and meaning can be created...together.

 © April 2012 The Rev. Dr. Jane A. Tomaine

This book is a selection of the author's conferences on the Rule delivered to the monks of Assumption Abbey in Ava, Missouri, during the time he was abbot there. He explains that "these conferences are in the first place the Rule's commentary on me, on my life as a Christian and as a monk," and hopes that they have something to say to you and to me. To this hope I respond with a hearty, "They do!" I am thoroughly delighting in using this book as a reference in my own reflecting on the Rule.

The conferences are organized by broad topic area such as "The Monastic Community," "Relationships," and "Practicing." They are easy to read, conversational and full of insight and wisdom for our journey as Christians whether we are in a monastic community or outside the enclosure. As each conference stands on its own, Scott recommends that we dip into the book at random or use one of the two indexes to structure the reading. These indexes are so helpful. One follows the thread of a theme and another lists where Scott have cited different references in the Rule.

I used his book in preparing for a recent program that I gave about Benedictine work and service and discovered new insights. One of these was that service "keeps the rhythm going" in the monastery, that rhythm of peace and orderliness. And I loved this: "Serving beans and draining sinks is as much of the Work of God as chanting the ancient psalms together." Not a new idea but so wonderfully expressed. And the final reminder that, in our work, people come first!

I encourage you to read this book and accept his invitation to "open the door [to the chapter room where the conferences were given], sit down with the monks and me, and feel at home with Saint Benedict."

Scott is now at the Trappist-Cistercian Abbey of New Clairvaux in Vina, California. 

Details on the Book:

At Home With Saint Benedict by Michael A. Scott, OCSO. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0-87907-027-4

To order this book from Amazon.com, click here. 

Assumption Abbey makes delicious fruitcakes. Yum!! 

Order some fruitcakes from the Assumption Abbey Bakery!!