Have you ever wanted to do something but didn’t know how? Recently, I wanted to build a spreadsheet to help me keep track of some information. I knew it could be done in the way I imagined, but I didn’t know how to do it. So, I reached out to a friend and he said, “Oh, this is the way to do it,” and then he showed me the way.
This same thing happens to me in my spiritual life. I so much want to be good. I want to be holy. I want to live in a way pleasing to God. I want to become a saint. I know it is possible, but I sometimes worry that I don’t know how or what to do. Saint Benedict asks, “Who wants life?” (Rule of St. Benedict Prologue 15). I want life. And, I assume that we all would answer that we want life also. But, we may not be sure how to have this life.
Like my friend who helped me navigate Microsoft Excel, Benedict shows us the way to “see good days” (Pro. 15). From the wealth of his own lived experience and from the treasures of Sacred Scripture, Benedict presents us the way to a life pleasing to God. Benedict says that if we want to experience the fullness of life that God offers us, we must guard our tongue and lips from vicious talk and all deceit; turn away from sin and do good; and work for peace (Pro. 17). He goes on to say that we should clothe ourselves with faith and good works (Pro. 21) and prepare our hearts and bodies through obedience (Pro. 40). If this all seems impossible, Benedict tells us that God will supply help for us by his grace (Pro. 41).
What is more delightful that the voice of the Lord calling to us? See how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life. (Rule of St. Benedict Prologue 19-20)