The Feast of Saint Benedict

If you ask me (and no one has, but that won’t stop me), I’d say there are three things our society needs right now:

In the midst of all the noise and distractions, we need Silence

In the midst of all the uncertainty and disorder, we need Stability

In the midst of all the anger and confusion, we need Obedience

In the midst of godlessness and  self-righteousness, we need Conversion

Our civilization appears to be teetering on the edge of a great decline.  But even a cursory look at history, shows us that this has happened many times before.  And every time it does, the Benedictines (monks, nuns, and oblates alike) heave a great, collective sigh and save civilization.  

And somehow, this surprises everyone.

But saving civilization comes at a cost.  The symbol of the Benedictines is the word, “peace” surrounded by a crown of thorns.  The monks, and all the good people who stand beside them, are at war.  And there has never been a war without casualties.

So today, on the feast of Saint Benedict, we pray especially for his sons and daughters:

Where there is noise, may they bring silence.

Where there is uncertainty may they bring stability.

Where there is confusion, may they bring obedience.

Where there is godlessness, may they bring conversion.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.