May Week 5

Virtue: Remembrance
Resolution: I choose to learn from the rich history of the Church and the mystery of the faith to hold me close to Christ.

Human Story: The Liturgical Calendar

Humans have an instinct to observe days that are significant. We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. We commemorate momentous dates in history. We remember loved ones who have died. We celebrate changes in the seasons. There is something inherent within us that needs these types of markers in our lives. The church is no different. We as a body need to celebrate important events just like our families need to celebrate together. The Jewish faith is steeped in tradition and set times of festivals and celebrations. When Jesus observed the Passover meal with his disciples, was crucified the next day, and then rose from the dead, it began a new cycle of remembrance and celebration for those who believe in Him.

Every Sunday when we gather together as the Church, we remember Christ’s death and resurrection, and we remember that He is coming again. Sunday is the pinnacle of our week and re-orients our souls and minds as we focus on Jesus. In addition to this weekly time of remembering, the liturgical calendar walks us through the important events of the life of Jesus and of the Church as well as helping us to understand our responsibilities as Christians.

The liturgical year begins with Advent, a time of anticipation. During this season we remember Christ’s first advent as a baby, and we joyfully anticipate His second advent when he comes not only to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1) but also to renew all things. (Rev. 21) Christmas is a 12-day season in which we celebrate Christ’s incarnation and anticipate his return to restore all things. During Epiphany we commemorate the revelation of Christ to the gentiles as signified by the visit of the Magi, and we also remember Jesus’ childhood and baptism. The season of Lent is 40 days long (excluding Sundays) which is a reflection of the 40 days Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. It is marked by fasting and penitence as we remember the trials Jesus had to endure leading up to His crucifixion. Within Lent, we celebrate the triumphal entry (Palm Sunday), the institution of the Eucharist (Maundy Thursday), and the crucifixion of the Christ (Good Friday). Easter Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Eastertide, the season in which we celebrate the risen Lord, lasts for 50 days. Forty days into Eastertide is the remembrance of Christ’s ascension to the Father. Pentecost commemorates the gift of the Holy Spirit. Trinity Sunday praises the triune nature of God. All of this celebration is roughly the first half of the Christian calendar, and as you can see, it is the story of the earthly life of Christ Jesus, our Messiah.

The remainder of the year is called Ordinary Time, and it is a period for learning about what the church’s response, what your response, to Jesus should be. In light of all that Jesus did and taught, how then do we live our everyday lives?

Sprinkled throughout the liturgical year are festivals which commemorate Saints. These are people, like you and me, who chose to devote themselves fully to their Lord. Our weekly devotions contain stories of some of these Saints, but all of their stories are amazing and inspirational. Celebrating the Saints adds a beautiful aspect to our remembering. It’s important to remember because it is a testimony of God’s goodness, faithfulness, mercy, and grace.

Lesson: Psalm 78:3-8 (ESV)

Things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.

We generally take our memories for granted until someone we love (or we ourselves) begins to have trouble remembering things. Watching home movies, flipping through a scrapbook, or scrolling through digital photo collections can help us remember important moments of our lives. It can also encourage us to share those memories with others.

Our heavenly Father has left us a scrapbook of sorts in the Holy Bible. It is important for us to not only read it (not just our favorite parts) but also to share it with our children and grandchildren. We can’t fully rely on Sunday School, Christian schools, or weekly church services to plant seeds of faith in the next generation. If faith is not passed down from generation to generation, it will quickly wither and die. God even gives us some of those stories in His scrapbook.

It's not only Bible stories that need to be shared. Make sure you also tell your offspring stories of how God has worked in your own life and even in their lives. Keep faith alive through active remembering.

Remembrance: Remembrance by Hillsong Worship

I take the bread of life
Broken for all my sin
Your body crucified
To make me whole again

I will recall the cup
Poured out in sacrifice
To trade this sinners’ end
For Your new covenant

I’ll walk salvation’s road
With fear and trembling
Your way borne as my own
As Christ is formed in me
Hallelujah, I’ll live my life in remembrance
Hallelujah, Your promise I won’t forget 

If ever I should lose my way
If ever I deny Your grace
Remind me of the price You paid
Hallelujah, I’ll live in remembrance 

You’ve been so so good to me, You’ve been so so good to me
Oh to think where I would be, If not for You, If not for You 

As far as heights reach from the depths
As far as east is from the west
So far Your grace has carried me 

Until I see You face to face
Until at last I’ve won my race
Remind me, You’re not finished yet
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, I’ll live in remembrance

Challenge

Ann Voskamp wrote a thought-provoking book called One Thousand Gifts in which she challenges us to begin a list of things we are thankful for. This is an excellent way to remember God’s faithfulness, grace, and mercy to us. Begin your list by writing down one thing per day that you are thankful for. As appropriate, share these remembrances with others to tell of God’s faithfulness to you.

Reflection

It’s easy to breeze through our human story with nonchalant familiarity. Read through the paragraph about the life of Christ again, this time pausing to really think about what it means and all that it entailed at the time it was happening to Jesus.  

Further Growth

2022: The Sunday after Ascension Day

Old Testament: Acts 16:16-34
Psalm: Psalm 68:1-20
New Testament: Revelation 22:10-21
Gospel: John 17:20-26

2021: Book of Common Prayer Proper 3

Old Testament: Hosea 2:14-23
Psalm: Psalm 103
New Testament: 2 Corinthians 3:4-18
Gospel: Mark 2:18-22

2020: Book Of Common Prayer Proper 3

Old Testament: Isaiah 49:8-23
Psalm: Psalm 62
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 4:1-13
Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34

May Week 4

Virtue: Remembrance
Resolution: I choose to learn from the rich history of the Church and the mystery of the faith to hold me close to Christ.

Human Story: Irenaeus of Lyon (ca. 140-202 AD)

Irenaeus was bishop of Lyon, a Roman colony in southern France. He is one of the earliest Christian writers that stresses the importance of tradition in the faith. Tradition is simply handing down to others what has been handed down to you. This began with Jesus, continued through the apostles, then to the apostolic fathers, and so on. If someone came along making some claim that was in conflict with what was handed down, then it did not pass the tradition test. The one who taught Irenaeus was Polycarp. The one who taught Polycarp was the apostle John, who was of course taught by Christ himself. Irenaeus wrote two books that can be read today: Against Heresies and Proof of the Apostolic Preaching.

The Gnostic and the Marcionite sects of Christianity (which began in the first and second centuries, respectively) had both developed skewed views of what Christianity meant. Some of these erroneous beliefs had infiltrated the larger mainstream church. Irenaeus believed that if we have a perverted view of God, we will also have a perverted view of the world, of humanity, and of salvation. He thought that it is possible to make the Bible say anything we want it to say. Keep in mind that at this time there was no canonized version of the gospel. Teaching was often done orally as hand-written copies of scripture were rare. Irenaeus believed new Christians must be taught certain core beliefs of the faith. He called this process the “rule of faith.” Teachings included that God is triune, that there is one God who created the heavens and earth, that Christ became man and died on the cross and resurrected on the third day, that the Holy Spirit dwells within us, and that Christ will come again, the dead will rise, and all will be judged. This rule of faith served as the infancy stage for what the Apostles and Nicene Creeds became. One could not just come along making novel claims about Jesus and be believed unless those claims lined up with what had been taught by predecessors in the faith. These predecessors make up the rich history of the church, and we ignore them to our peril.

Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV)

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

The Eucharist (communion) goes all the way back to the day before Jesus died. Every time we take it, we are participating in something that has taken place for 2,000 years, and something that millions of Christians partake in weekly. The rich history of the church and the mystery of faith begin here.

Throughout 1 Corinthians, Paul is bringing up various problems the Corinthians are having and explaining how the good news about Jesus informs these problems. The gospel of Jesus affects every area of life, both individually and communally. Beginning in chapter 11, Paul focuses on problems in the weekly worship gathering. In the Corinthian church, there were higher-class members who were eating and drinking while those of lower socio-economic status were going hungry. Paul is arguing that this practice is sinful and opposes Christ’s intent. The weekly gathering is for everyone, regardless of age or socio-economic status.

The Eucharist has developed throughout centuries into what we practice today, and Christians throughout the world practice it in different ways. In our text it appears to be more of a communal meal, and Paul’s point is that the principle of love should guide us in our communal eating practices such that everyone in the body of Christ should have equal access. The importance Paul places on tradition is seen from the first verse above, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you….” In other words, Paul was handing down to others what had been taught to him. The tradition of the Eucharist is grounded in love and unity within the church. If we partake of the elements and neglect love and unity, we will be judged for our actions. If we do not examine ourselves before the taking of the elements, we miss the mark for Christ’s intent. Let us partake of the Eucharist weekly, being guided by the spirit of love and unity. By doing this we perpetuate the rich history of the church and the mystery of faith.

Remembrance: The apostle’s Creed

Rich Mullins Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
      born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      He descended to the dead.
      On the third day he rose again.
      He ascended into heaven,
      is seated at the right hand of God the Father,
      And will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic* church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen.

* catholic means the universal and apostolic church

Challenge

The Eucharist began as part of a larger communal meal. Next time you’re at a communal Christian meal, pay close attention to who you are sitting with. Who are you neglecting? Seek out those you don’t know as well and practice Christian love and unity.

Reflection

How does the following quote by Madeleine L’Engle challenge your view of partaking in the Eucharist?

If the Lord’s table is the prototype of the family table, then, if I think in terms of the family table, I know that I cannot sit down to bread and wine until I’ve said I’m sorry, until reparations have been made, relations restored. When one of our children had done something particularly unworthy, if it had come out into the open before dinner, if there had been an “I’m sorry,” and there had been acceptance, and love, then would follow the happiest dinner possible, full of laughter and fun. If there was something still hidden; if one child, or as sometimes happens, one parent, was out of joint with the family and the world, that would destroy the atmosphere of the whole meal.

-       Madeleine L’Engle, A Circle of Quiet, p. 235.

Further Growth

2022: 6th Sunday of Easter

Old Testament: Joel 2:21-27
Psalm: Psalm 67
New Testament: Revelation 21:1-4, 22—22:5
Gospel: John 14:21-29

2021: Pentecost Sunday

Old Testament: Genesis 11:1-9
Psalm: Psalm 104:24-35
New Testament: Acts 2:1-21
Gospel: John 14:8-17

2020: Book of Common Prayer Proper 2

Old Testament: Leviticus 19:1-18
Psalm: Psalm 71
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48

May Week 3

Virtue: Remembrance
Resolution: I choose to learn from the rich history of the Church and the mystery of the faith to hold me close to Christ.

Human Story: Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)

Despite the medieval period being known as one of the darkest and most corrupt eras of Christian history, the light of Christ has always found a way to survive through the most unlikely of circumstances and characters. Hildegard of Bingen was such a figure. She was born into a large family, the 10th of many children, and her parents were unable to properly care for her. At 8 years old they sent her to live with a recluse named Jutta who was connected to a Benedictine monastery in modern-day Germany. Jutta was known as a strange but wise woman, knowledgeable of Latin and Christian philosophy, and many women were sent to her to study. Under Jutta's tutelage Hildegard became learned in the ways of the Lord. They spent almost 30 years together before Jutta passed away at which time Hildegard was elected the leader “abbess” of the convent which included around 20 women. 

Reflecting on the whole of Hildegard's life, many traits and testimonies are worth remembering. She spoke truth to power, possessing a boldness and willingness to speak out against injustices within the church. She was a composer of hymns, having a vast knowledge of and love for music and worship in the church. She is considered by some to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany as she wrote books on the properties of plants, animals, and living things that were particularly useful for healing. Hildegard is one of only 36 people and one of only four women in the history of the Catholic Church to be honored with the title "Doctor of the church” which is reserved for persons whose contributions were particularly important to theology and doctrine. She was the founder of two other convents and spoke out publicly for much needed monastic reforms. She has been called by many a "polymath," someone who has an unusually wide range of knowledge and learning. Undoubtedly, she is a Christian worth remembering. 

Perhaps the greatest legacy she left us were her recordings of deep mystical experiences describing her "Visions" of God. She remembers these experiences beginning in childhood, but she was too humble or afraid to share them with others. When she was 42, she received a vision instructing her to both write them down and share them with others.

Her visions, recorded and interpreted in her three books, will leave you feeling like you've been immersed in the life of one who has been deeply intimate with God, and compel you to pursue God more radically via all five of your senses.

Lesson: Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

After Christ’s resurrection, in Acts 1, he told the disciples,

Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised…When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them…Now there were staying in Jerusalem God fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Acts 2:1-6

This is known as the first Christian Pentecost.

This scene must have been pretty wild: rushing wind, tongues of fire hovering in the air, and strange languages that everyone could understand. Peter felt the need to clarify that people were not drunk since it was nine in the morning! He gave an explanation that God has poured out His Spirit. He then quotes Joel to give validity to this new appearance as a fulfilled prophecy. In the Old Testament, the Spirit was given for specific purposes to people like prophets and kings. Now it was to be for all people.

Peter goes on to speak of dreams and visions.  Both dreams at night and visions while awake are supernatural ways that God can speak to people. According to the verse in Joel and Peter’s account of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is poured out on human flesh, supernatural things happen.  Specifically, dreams, visions, and prophecy. The proof of the Holy Spirit is in the change that occurs, becoming new.  Peter was a broken and scared man just 50 days before he stood up to address the crowd on Pentecost. He then went on to be an important part of the church, dying for his beloved Savior.  The other disciples did not stay in a locked upper room, hidden away; they all suffered, and most died a martyr’s death. That was just the start. The bible and history record many mysterious supernatural ways that God intervenes using our Helper, our Counselor, the Holy Spirit. Addicts have become missionaries, broken souls have gotten up to preach, joy has been traded for mourning, healing of emotions and body have occurred, and light has been given in the form of wisdom in dark situations.

Remembrance: The Ways of the Lord – Scivias by Hildegard of Bingen

When I was forty-two years and seven months old, Heaven was opened and a fiery light of exceeding brilliance came and permeated my whole brain and inflamed my whole heart and my whole breast, not like a burning but like a warming flame, as the sun warms anything its rays touch. And immediately I knew the meaning of the exposition of the Scriptures...

Challenge

Be intentional this week about asking for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill you. Then write down and maybe share with others instances where the power of the Holy Spirit is evident in your life.

Reflection

The Holy Spirit can empower and enable us to do things we never thought possible. Does this seem scary to you? Does this excite you? Like Peter, we may often feel inadequate or unqualified, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can find unexplainable boldness and confidence.

Further Growth

2022: 5th Sunday of Easter

Old Testament: Leviticus 19:1-18
Psalm: Psalm 145
New Testament: Revelation 19:1-9
Gospel: John 13:31-35

2021: Ascension Sunday

Old Testament: Exodus 28:1-30
Psalm: Psalm 68:1-20
New Testament: 1 John 5:6-15
Gospel: John 17:11b-19

2020: Book of Common Prayer Proper 1

Old Testament: Ecclesiasticus* 15:11-20
Psalm: Psalm 119:1-16
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Gospel: Matthew 5:21-37

*apocryphal text

May Week 2

Virtue: Remembrance
Resolution: I choose to learn from the rich history of the Church and the mystery of the faith to hold me close to Christ.

Human Story: Phyllis Tickle (1934 - 2015) and The Divine Hours

Author and speaker Phyllis Tickle’s greatest contribution to our generation, and to the church, was to give back to us the concept of fixed hour prayer. In the non-stop pace of our 21st century lifestyles, her re-imagining of the medieval brevary in The Divine Hours has given a new generation a book containing prayers, hymns, psalms and religious thought for everyday use at the canonical hours. Many practicing daily prayer with the divine hours have rediscovered the richness of a deeply rooted faith and life of prayer reminiscent of monks, friars, and sisters from centuries ago.

Like a double helix rendered elegant by complexity and splendid by authority, the amalgam of gospel and shared meal and the discipline of fixed-hour prayer were and have remained the chain of golden connection tying Christian to Christ and Christian to Christian across history, across geography, and across idiosyncrasies of faith. (The Divine Hours)

Indeed, the Psalms were prayers which were used in Old Testament and New Testament time, and they continue to be used, prayed and chanted in monasteries to this day. Some say fixed hour prayer is otherworldly, but perhaps praying and singing the psalms is just one of those places where heaven meets earth.

Of Daniel it was said “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God.” (Daniel 6:10) Here is one of the earliest references recorded in scripture of praying at specific times of the day. Where might Daniel have gotten his idea for prayer? In the Psalms we see references to praying at specific times, here are just a few:

Morning Prayer: In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 (See also Psalm 55:17; 59:16; 88:13; 92:2)
Evening Prayer: On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Psalm 63:6
Night Prayer: At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. Psalm 119:55
Even 3 times a day: Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

Set hours to pray intrigued me, so I became a student, and in the depths of inability to really want to pray at times, I found renewal in practicing rhythmic pauses during my day to refocus on God by praying the psalms, and also some prayers written by others who have gone before. Sometimes Saint Augustine, Francis, or Merton had thought and written already exactly what I felt in my heart.  Phyllis Tickle’s work on The Divine Hours has enriched my life. 

Lesson: Psalm 103 Of David. (NIV)

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—
with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.
Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.
Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, my soul.

Remembrance

One of the primary reasons for the psalms is for remembrance. In the psalms the Hebrews remembered their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, they remembered the parting of the Red Sea and walking to their freedom on dry ground, and they remembered God’s provision in the wilderness. Remembrance is central to the life of faith. 

What would happen if we sang a song of remembrance every day? Liturgy is a pattern of worship that becomes familiar enough to be employed over and over again. Liturgy is an act of remembrance in song, word, and prayer.

Psalm 103 is a remembrance of who God the Father is, and who we are. How do you think Psalm 103 shaped the hearts of those who regularly sang and prayed its words? How might it shape you? Try reading through Psalm 103 aloud every day this week.

Challenge

Seek to live a rhythm of daily prayer in an attainable way. Strive to keep two 10-minute times of prayer a day. Set your clock if you need to but try taking two prayer breaks during the day using a book or app, then go from there.

The Monastic times of Prayer were as follows:

Matins –Midnight       Sext -Noon
Lauds -3am                 None -3pm
Prime – 6am               Vespers -6pm
Terce -9am                 Compline -9pm

Reflection

Law is death, but freedom is life: The idea with fixed hour prayer is to develop your prayer life, not to meet a requirement. If you become a slave to the alarm signaling prayer time and feel condemned if you fail to pray, then you’ve missed the point. The purpose of fixed hour prayer is to practice, to be intentional, and to focus on your conversation, thanksgiving, and listening to God. If it’s feeding your soul, then you look forward to taking two or three short breaks during the day to refocus on God, and to be in His presence. That’s what it’s all about!

Further Growth

Daily office readings and audio recording of fixed hour prayer at www.missionstclare.com
The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle
Book of Common Prayer Daily Office at www.bcponline.org 

2022: 4th Sunday of Easter

Old Testament: Numbers 27:12-23
Psalm: Psalm 100
New Testament: Revelation 7:9-17
Gospel: John 10:22-30

2021: 6th Sunday of Easter

Old Testament: Isaiah 45:11-25
Psalm: Psalm 98
New Testament: 1 John 4:1-11
Gospel: John 15:9-17

2020

Old Testament: Genesis 1:1 - 2:3
Psalm: Psalm 150
New Testament: 2 Corinthians 13:5-14
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

May Week 1

Virtue: Remembrance
Resolution: I choose to learn from the rich history of the Church and the mystery of the faith to hold me close to Christ.

Human Story: St. Benedict Of Nursia (480-547)

The early church was a radical and counter-cultural movement that is unmatched in human history. Its transition from an insignificant village in the Middle East to a globally known religion was due to the compelling message of Christ and how this message was lived out by His followers. The church was known for its compassion and dedication. Many scholars believe that the culture of Christianity began to change once Constantine declared it the official religion of the Roman Empire and began to conquer others in the name of Christ, flying in the face of Jesus’ instruction of peacemaking and gentleness in the sermon on the mount. A couple of hundred years after Constantine, the church was in the dark ages. The church lost its way and Rome began to crumble. Into this world, Benedict of Nursia was born. Galbraith and Galbraith wrote:

The vast Roman Empire was dying rapidly. The cities were in decay, the economy was in shambles, and the countryside was insecure. Roma was literally crumbling around the young Benedict as invading barbarian tribes and corrupt politicians jostled with each other for power. It was here, surrounded by the decadence of the pagan world, that the young Benedict found the desire to pursue a higher mission. (p. xvii) 

Benedict was born to a noble family around the year 480 AD and moved to Rome as a young man. Out of frustration for the state of the church and Roman culture, he withdrew from society and lived as a hermit in a cave for 3 years. During his time in solitude, which was broken only by occasional communication with the outer world, Benedict matured in mind and character. Others began to be drawn to him and his perspective on the church and the world. Many came to request that he begin a community for like-minded individuals. He eventually became a spiritual leader, establishing a series of 12 monasteries and a school for children. He also wrote his “Rule” that outlined how his communities would function. This is considered by many to be one of the most important works in the history of the Western hemisphere. 

Benedict is one example of an ancient leader who established a movement in the midst of a chaotic and tumultuous culture that not only grew but experienced longevity and success well beyond his lifetime. Thousands of Benedictine communities, schools, hospitals, homes, and organizations are still in existence – carrying out his counter-cultural, yet compelling, form of discipleship. 

In recent years, the book The Benedict Option, has once again popularized Benedict. The book has been tremendously well received in the Christian world because we find ourselves in a culture where many Christians have lost their way, become overly politicized, and have forgotten the model of Christ, especially, his instructions in the sermon on the mount.

References:
Galbraith, C., & Galbraith, O. (2004). The Benedictine rule of leadership. Classic management secrets you can use today. Avon, MA: Adams Media.

Dreher, Rod. (2017). The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in Post-Christian Nation. New York. Random House. 

Lesson: Luke 14:11

Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.

Jesus insisted on an upside-down view of power. In a culture that was obsessed with promotion (exaltation), Jesus says to view oneself soberly and accurately (humbly) and be content with God’s promotion. This theme introduced by Jesus carried over into the early church. In fact, many scholars note that humility became the virtue among all virtues for the early church. It was what kept unity among the diverse mix of early church leaders. 

This scripture was also significant for St. Benedict and the development of his communities. It is the first among many scriptures referenced in the chapter on humility in his Rule which most Benedictine scholars believe to be the most important section of this writing. To pursue and become saturated with humility seems to be considered the pinnacle of spiritual life for Benedict and the goal of Benedict’s community. 

He viewed the development of humility as a process that he described as climbing a ladder. A young disciple would start on the first rung and move up the ladder through a process of mentorship and eventually reach a point, late in life, of saturation of humility. The specific steps described by Benedict are in the Remembrance section below. Benedict believed that the principles of humility, if properly utilized, were the centerpiece to a thriving, long-lasting, and transformative community. 

A wonderful way to view humility is defined by one ancient Rabbi as “strength under control.” It is not becoming weak, but it is understanding how to control our strength and leverage it for others. This is, after all, the exact type of leadership Jesus demonstrated- the son of God, full of ultimate strength, controlled it to the point of vulnerability as an infant.

Remembrance

Benedict described the development of humility as a step-by-step process. Below is a re-wording/modernizing of his steps from the book by Galbraith and Galbraith mentioned earlier (pp.121-122) with additional editing for the purposes of this devotional. These steps were written for monastic leaders but contemplate how they apply to your relationships with others. 

1. Revere the simple rules: strive to obey and follow the basic rules of courtesy and the organization; model good behavior to those around you.

2. Reject your personal desires: curb your own desires for fame and achievement, ever aware of the possibilities of pride and arrogance.

3. Obey others: readily follow and obey those placed over you in positions of authority.

4. Endure affliction: willingly turn the other cheek in situations of conflict and work toward peace and harmony.

5. Confess your weakness: Be honest and transparent about your own limitations and weaknesses; communicate these regularly to those close to you.

6. Practice contentment: try to be content in your current positions, jobs and general situations in life.

7. Learn self-reproach: adopt the disciplines of internal reflection and do not seek to place blame on others.

8. Obey the common rule: obey all the organizational rules, not just in letter, but also in spirit.

9. Understand that silence is golden: control your speech and adopt plain and clear avenues of communication.

10. Meditate on humility: consciously seek to cultivate humility and seek to understand what this means in an organizational setting.

11. Speak simply: talk in a low voice, speak gently, and with kindness to others

12. Act humbly in appearance: act humble in appearance as well as in the heart.

Challenge

Think through your current definition of humility. Compare and contrast your definition with Benedict’s (in the Remembrance section) and see if there are some areas of your life where “false humility” has crept in.   

May we rediscover the Benedict option- a way of living that is separate from but engaged in culture, a way of interacting with the world that is simultaneously critical and compelling. May we listen to this ancient figure who calls us to authentic Christianity, humility, and love for others. May we be willing to incorporate ourselves into a community of faith in a very disciplined and strategic manner. 

Reflection

Like Benedict, we too may want to run away from what is currently happening in our country and world. How can we continue to engage culture and society in the midst of these frustrations?  What are some practical ways you can practice “strength under control” this week? 

Further Growth

2022: 3rd Sunday of Easter

Old Testament: Jeremiah 32:36-41
Psalm: Psalm 33
New Testament: Revelation 5:1-14
Gospel: John 21:1-14

2021: 5th Sunday of Easter

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Psalm: Psalm 66:1-11
New Testament: 1 John 3:11-24
Gospel: John 14:15-21

2020

Old Testament: Ezekiel 39:21-29
Psalm: Psalm 68:1-20
New Testament: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Gospel: John 17:1-11

May Introduction

May: Remembrance

Our identity as a person, a family, a faith community, an institution, a country, or a people group is rooted in knowing and remembering our history, the stories that brought us to where we are. Most holidays are a celebration to remember an event, a person or a group of people. The bible is full of statements urging us to remember:   

Deeds of the Lord
Covenants that have been made
To obey
That we were slaves 
Wonders God has done     
Judgements God has pronounced     
To extol His work
How fleeting is your life     
The chains of Paul
Jesus Christ, raised from the dead     
What the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold

Remembering what you believe and why you believe it is important for keeping your faith alive and active and strong. But, looking back in history to those who have gone before is an additional element that sends courage to your own strength. In times of doubt, reading stores of those who have suffered for their faith encourages you to remember that some things are worth devoting your life for.  

Resolution: I choose to learn from the rich history of the Church and the mystery of the faith to hold me close to Christ.              

May: Liturgy

Leader: Almighty Father, You remind us in Your word to recall Your miracles for our redemption; we remember the deliverance from Pharaoh’s army and Christ’s defeat of evil on the cross. Make us aware throughout the day of these mighty works, that they may give us confidence to boldly face the present. 

People: Father, help us remember the past and be transformed in the present. 

Leader: Lord Jesus, thank You for diligently spending time with Your disciples, instructing them in the faith, and modeling the way. Without this effort, the rich tradition of the church, passed down through the apostles, would not exist. 

People: Jesus, help us remember the past and be transformed in the present. 

Leader:  Holy Spirit, we see Your hand throughout history on Your people: from the apostles, to the apostolic fathers, to the monastic movement and reformers. Ignite in us a love for past wisdom. Help us to fight against the modern-day belief that newer is always better. 

People: Spirit, help us remember the past and be transformed in the present.