‘Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see him who has called us to his kingdom.’
One of the gifts of monastic life for me is the experience of living close to the Scriptures. All through the day my heart and my mind are invited to find in the Scriptures light for the way ahead. This is a very slow process which will only end on the day that I breathe my last. Much like water dripping onto a stone, God’s Word shapes my heart.
St Benedict knew this on a personal level. His Rule is a pastiche of Scripture texts. He finds in the Scriptures ‘medicine’ (Ch 28, Those Who Refuse to Amend after Frequent Reproofs) and the ‘truest of guides for human life.’ (Ch 73, This Rule Only A Beginning of Perfection).
How has Scripture shaped your own life?
Image: Turvey Abbey (This is me standing at our lectern. The lectern fall was woven by our Prioress, Sr Zoe Davis.)