Seeking his workman in a multitude of people, the Lord calls out to him and lifts his voice again: Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days? (Ps 33:13). If you hear this and your answer is "I do," God then directs these words to you: If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim (Ps 33:14-15). Once you have done this, my eyes will be upon you and my ears will listen for your prayers; and even before you ask me, I will say to you: Here I am (Isa 58:9). What, dear brothers, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us? See how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life. 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 (I Thess 2:12).

Comment

From Columba Cary-Elwes" Work and Prayer: The Rule of St. Benedict for Lay People:

Whoever turns to God, finds God is already there: "See, here I am." This wonderful truth of the ever-present God is basic to the Rule.

The following is adapted from Norvene Vest's Preferring Christ:

If you long for life with all your heart and soul, what is the practical and daily response/behavior that is to be made. Crucial to this response is the fear of the Lord and the disciplined moral behavior that is evoked by awed regard -- a spirit that is often missing in modern experience. An equally crucial element is the profound empowerment which happens by virtue of the Lord's active presence in our midst.

How well Benedict sets forth his goal (the yearning for Life!) and the purpose of his work (to provide a sound daily framework for our generous response to that yearning). In reading his words, I feel my own excitement build that I am personally called to take my own life seriously enough to offer it to God. Such consecration as I understand it does not mean to withdraw from the world, but to recognize God's effective power in me and in the world in the midst of things as I find them. It is a double astonishment: (1) that it truly involves me; and (2) that God is effective within things as they are.

Note that on the Rule home page, there are links to other Benedictine resources on the internet.

Response