The Feast of St Benedict | Monday 11 July 2022

Today is Monday the 11th of July, the feast of Saint Benedict.
Come, my way, my truth, my life. As I enter this time of prayer today, I begin by inviting the Lord into my life. I acknowledge my need for God, to show me the way, to teach me the truth, to give me life.
Come, my way, my truth, my life;
Such a way, as gives us breath.
Such a truth, as ends all strife:
Such a life as killeth death.
Come, my light, my feast, my strength;
Such a light as shows a feast.
Such a feast as mends in length,
Such a strength as makes his guest,
Come, my joy, my love, my heart;
Such a joy as none can move.
Such a love as none can part,
Such a heart, as joys in love.

Today’s reading is from the book of Proverbs.
Proverbs 2:1-9
My child, if you accept my words
and treasure up my commandments within you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
if you indeed cry out for insight,
and raise your voice for understanding;
if you seek it like silver,
and search for it as for hidden treasures—
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,
guarding the paths of justice
and preserving the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path

Like the author, making sense of life is something we naturally try to do. What might be one insight you have been given by God for this moment in your life?
Seeking understanding is likened to searching for hidden treasure. What is the treasure you are longing to find?

The beginning of the Rule of St Benedict invites the monk to ‘listen’ and ‘turn your heart to hear’. As you listen once more to the reading, where is your heart turning?
Wisdom, insight, understanding. Gifts from God. As you look ahead, where might you need those gifts to use? Speak with God about this.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.