Day 7 — The School of the Lord’s Service
The Prologue — Rule of St. Benedict Series
The School of the Lord’s Service
Saint Benedict describes the Christian life with a beautiful image.
It is a school for the service of the Lord.
The Rule of Saint Benedict is not merely a collection of regulations. It is a training ground for holiness, a lifelong education in learning how to love God with the whole heart.
And Benedict makes a reassuring promise.
He does not intend to impose anything unnecessarily harsh or crushing.
The goal is not punishment.
The goal is transformation.
At times, however, discipline is necessary.
Correction may feel demanding. Sacrifice may seem difficult. The narrow gate of the Gospel requires self-denial and perseverance.
But Saint Benedict tells us not to be afraid.
Do not run from the path of salvation simply because the beginning feels difficult.
Every serious journey begins with effort.
The same is true in the spiritual life.
At first, obedience can feel restrictive.
Prayer may seem dry.
Virtue may require struggle.
But as we grow in faith and deepen in our relationship with God, something remarkable happens.
Our hearts expand.
What once felt burdensome becomes joyful.
What once seemed impossible becomes sweet.
And we begin to run in the way of God’s commandments with what Benedict calls “the unspeakable sweetness of love.”
This is one of the greatest secrets of the spiritual life.
Holiness is not about grim endurance.
It is about falling so deeply in love with God that obedience becomes a delight.
Saint Benedict then calls us to persevere until death.
Remain in the Lord’s school.
Stay faithful to Christ.
Endure trials with patience.
Share in His sufferings.
And if we remain united to Him in this life, we will also share in His Kingdom forever.
The Christian life begins with discipline.
It matures into love.
And it ends in glory.