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Soul Food July 2012

St. Benedict

Seek always the face of the Lord. — Psalm 105:4

Mass Readings: Hosea 10:1-3,7-8,12 / Matthew 10:1-7

Common Sense

In their wonderful book Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints, authors Matthew, Margaret and Stephen Bunson include this about today’s saint, Benedict (c. 480-550): He “wrote regulations called ‘the Holy Rule,’ a system employing prayer, study, work, moderate asceticism [self-sacrifice], community life, and common sense.” It’s that last one that really struck me. The way to holiness, and holiness itself, includes common sense.

It shouldn’t be surprising the total list is a good one for each of us as individuals and for family life. Holiness isn’t limited to monastic life. (And there, no doubt, monks would tell us it isn’t guaranteed.) And it’s common sense that helps us not go overboard in one area and neglect the others. Helps us find the proper balance in our own lives.

Prayer: Dear St. Benedict, help me pray and work, give of myself and rest, in ways that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

Soul Food July 2012

St. Benedict

Seek always the face of the Lord. — Psalm 105:4

Mass Readings: Hosea 10:1-3,7-8,12 / Matthew 10:1-7

Common Sense

In their wonderful book Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints, authors Matthew, Margaret and Stephen Bunson include this about today’s saint, Benedict (c. 480-550): He “wrote regulations called ‘the Holy Rule,’ a system employing prayer, study, work, moderate asceticism [self-sacrifice], community life, and common sense.” It’s that last one that really struck me. The way to holiness, and holiness itself, includes common sense.

It shouldn’t be surprising the total list is a good one for each of us as individuals and for family life. Holiness isn’t limited to monastic life. (And there, no doubt, monks would tell us it isn’t guaranteed.) And it’s common sense that helps us not go overboard in one area and neglect the others. Helps us find the proper balance in our own lives.

Prayer: Dear St. Benedict, help me pray and work, give of myself and rest, in ways that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

 

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Catholic Faith Resources | For Catholic Parishes | Order OSV Products | RSS | Advertise | About Us | Contact Us | Jobs
Copyright © 1996-2013, Our Sunday Visitor, Inc.  All rights reserved. Copyright information | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy