Denver Catholic

2 JULY 25-AUGUST 7, 2020 | DENVER CATHOLIC "L et us get up then, at last, for the Scriptures rouse us," the Rule of St. Bene- dict urges us. "Let us open our eyes to the light … and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out. … 'If you hear his voice today, do not harden your hearts'" (Ps 95:8). On July 11 the Church observes the memorial of St. Benedict, and his words from 1,500 years ago seem per- fectly fi tting for our challenging and changing times. The Rule of St. Benedict was writ- ten some time around 530, a time when the Roman Empire had col- lapsed and Christianity's existence in Europe was threatened. Given our current cultural situation and its par- allels with his time, I believe we can fi nd fruit in St. Benedict's teachings. Saint Benedict grew up sur- rounded by a culture that was morally corrupt but with the grace of God lived a virtuous life. After spending some time in Rome for studies, he fl ed its moral decadence to pursue a more solitary life. St. Benedict lived the life of a hermit for several years before he eventually founded several monaster- ies, which became centers of prayer, manual labor and learning. St. Benedict begins his rule by urging the monks to "Listen care- fully to the master's instructions and attend to them with the ear of your heart" (Rule, Prologue 1). For us, this means establishing a daily time to listen to the Lord, both in reading the Scriptures and in conversational prayer and meditation. Our sure foundation during these trying times should be God's will for each of us, not the constantly chang- ing messages that bombard us in the news or on social media. For some, every online trend has become a form of gospel that must be adhered to with religious conviction. But the faith handed down to us from the Apostles is the only true Gospel, and only it can save souls. Although the times and technology were di– erent, St. Benedict understood the impor- tance of listening to "the master's instructions." In his book, The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus, the preacher of the Papal Household, Father Raniero Cantalamessa, addresses the need for priests to arm themselves for battle "with the world rulers of this present darkness" (cf. Jn 10:12). At the heart of his refl ection is the insight that "Jesus freed himself from Satan by an act of total obedience to the Father's will, once and for all handing over his free will to him, so that he could truly say, 'My food is to do the will of the one who sent me'" (Jn 4:34, The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus, p. 36). The question we must ask our- selves is, "Do I put the Father's will fi rst in my life in every decision I make and in all that I say and do?" If we place the Father's will at the center of our lives and truly listen to him with "the ears of our hearts" as St. Benedict taught, we will be prepared for whatever happens and always give witness to the love of God and others. We live in a world that has removed God from culture. History, both salvation history and world history, shows clearly what happens when this occurs. When God is removed, something else becomes "god." Societies decline and eventu- ally fall and disappear unless they return to the true God and become cultures that promote a life of holi- ness and virtue. There is at least one additional lesson from St. Benedict's rule that is applicable in these times of societal disunity and division. The monks and sisters of the Benedictine spiritual family are known for their hospitality. The Rule teaches this virtue in this way: "All guests who present them- selves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: 'I was a stranger and you welcomed me' (Mt 25:35). Proper honor must be shown to all, especially to those who share our faith (Gal 6:10) and to pilgrims" (Rule, #53). Let us make it our prayer to be able to see others as Christ himself coming to us, even if they are clothed in what St. Mother Teresa called, "the distressing disguise of the poor." If we continually seek the will of the Father and ask in prayer for our hearts and will to be conformed to his, then we will be able to weather any challenge. Archbishop's Page Archbishop's Column Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila ARCHBISHOP'S SCHEDULE AUG. 9: Mass Dedication, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Ft. Collins (11:30 a.m.) St. Benedict's wisdom for our times @ArchbishopDen Jul. 14 First federal execution in 17 years lamented as 'unnec- essary and avoidable' A tragic day for our culture as it continues to promote a culture of death. Lord, help us to see the dignity of human life from con- ception to natural death. Amen! #cultureofl ife If we place the Father's will at the center of our lives and truly listen to him with 'the ears of our hearts' as St. Benedict taught, we will be prepared for whatever happens and always give witness to the love of God and others." ARCHBISHOP SAMUEL J. AQUILA "

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