Yet another in-class writing assignment for history. This piece also needs some editing, which I will try to do in the next few weeks

Community in the Rule of St. Benedict

In His Providence, God decreed that the best life for man was one of obedience.
It seems, then, that the most perfect way for man to live in obedience would be in a monastery, among a community of fellow men all striving for spiritual perfection. And, indeed, this is the best place. It is a place of quiet solitude; one where man’s will is stretched and conformed, and brought to humble obedience within the community: ‘They no longer live by their own judgment , giving in to their whims and appetites’
St. Benedict, in his rule, sought to bring about this strong community life, making it at the very heart of the Benedictines’ life: ‘the workshop where we are to toil faithfully…is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community.’ The community is also intended to be the training-ground for soldiers, true soldiers of Christ, who are about to do battle for Him: ‘But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.’ (Galatians 5:16). Benedict’s rule also guides those in search of spiritual perfection, helping them to attain heaven: ‘For I through the law dies to the law, that I might live to God.’ (Galatians 2:19). Community life possess a full beauty and strength, in the sharing of possessions, which help the monks to become detached from worldly things: ‘In this way, all the members will be at peace.’ (OR, ’but they had everything in common ’ Acts 4:32) And, also, in their hospitality and care for the sick: ‘…must show every care and concern for the sick, children, guests and the poor.’ The greatest triumph of the Benedictine community, though, is their commitment to prayer together as a community: ‘How much more important, then, to lay our petitions before the Lord…with the utmost humility and sincere devotion.’ As a community, then, the Benedictines lift themselves ever higher to God through their prayers, and this is their supreme and greatest work, for by it: ‘It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life.’