St. Benedict On The Observance Of Lent

            Chapter 49 of the Rule of St. Benedict states, “The life of a monk/religious ought to be a continuous Lent.” Wow, and I think it’s hard to give up chocolate for 40 days!  St. Benedict goes on to state, “since few, however, have the strength for this, the entire community is to keep its manner of life most pure.”

            I have been trying to live this Benedictine life for more than 20 years now, and I still am trying to be pure. I love how Benedict pushes us to excel – that even though we might not have the strength for this, to try to keep your Lenten observances throughout Lent, throughout the whole year and throughout your whole life.

            We are to do this “in a fitting manner by refusing to indulge evil habits and by devoting ourselves to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and self-denial.” (RB 49:4) Why is it that only during Lent we are to strive to do this? I think it is brought to our attention to spend more time trying to become that reflection of God’s love to others.  It is said that we shouldn’t go around wearing sack cloths, moaning and complaining about what we are doing, but be joyful.  I’m trying, although, I’m also craving those little Hershey Kisses!

            After St. Benedict talks about adding to the usual amount of service, adding to our way of private prayer and the abstinence of food or drink, he mentions that we should deny ourselves of needless talking and idle jesting.  Truthfully, I shouldn’t need to be reminded to stop making fun of people, but I need it anyway.

            So, when this Lent is over and we are celebrating Easter, I hope that I’m not scarfing down lots of chocolate bunnies, but that I am getting in the habit of living a life of a continuous Lent:  praying more, serving more, and talking less.    

Come join me, and let your life be one of Lenten joy.