In Chapter Four of his Rule St Benedict offers the monastic a set of ‘tools’ for monastic living. These tools are seventy-three spiritual practices which cover every aspect of monastic life:
Yearn for everlasting life with holy desire. (Tool 46)
Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die. (Tool 47)
Do not aspire to be called holy before you really are, but first be holy so that you may more truly be called so. (Tool 62)
If you read this chapter in one sitting it can be quite overwhelming. Right at the end of the list of practices St Benedict reassures his community:
‘Never despair of God’s mercy.’
An appeal to the infinite mercy of God is so hopeful and characteristic of St Benedict’s measured and compassionate way. This verse of the Rule always reminds me of Lamentations 3:
The favours of the Lord are not all past, nor his kindnesses exhausted;
every morning they are renewed; great is his faithfulness.
Where can you see God’s mercy in your own life?
( Dawn at Turvey Abbey. This is the garden at the back of the monastery.)