Prologue, part 4 - January 4

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12).

For if we wish to dwell in the tent of that kingdom, we must run to it by good deeds or we shall never reach it. But let us ask the Lord, with the Prophet, "Lord, who shall dwell in Your tent, or who shall rest upon Your holy mountain" (Ps. 14[15]:1)?

After this question, brothers and sisters, let us listen to the Lord as He answers and shows us the way to that tent, saying, "The one Who walks without stain and practices justice; who speaks truth from his heart; who has not used his tongue for deceit; who has done no evil to his neighbor; who has given no place to slander against his neighbor." This is the one who, under any temptation from the malicious devil, has brought him to naught (Ps. 14[15]:4) by casting him and his temptation from the sight of his heart; and who has laid hold of his thoughts while they were still young and dashed them against Christ (Ps. 14[15]:4; 136[137]:9).

It is they who, fearing the Lord (Ps. 14[15]:4), do not pride themselves on their good observance; but, convinced that the good which is in them cannot come from themselves and must be from the Lord, glorify the Lord's work in them (Ps. 14[15]:4), using the words of the Prophet, "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give the glory" (Ps. 113[115:1]:9). 

Thus also the Apostle Paul attributed nothing of the success of his preaching to himself, but said, "By the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10). And again he says, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord" (2 Cor. 10:17).

*******************************************************************

In the old TV series, Star Trek the Next Generation, there was character called Dathon. He and his people spoke only through the use of allegory and Benedict seems to be able to communicate in a similar fashion. The difference is Benedict's scriptural references are familiar and don't point to events or circumstances totally unknown to me. What Benedict intends to communicate is clear. He is inviting us to be prepared to hold fast to our faith and engage in good deeds to earn the right to see God.

In the next paragraph, we encounter yet another reference to the need to be speedy. We must "run to it by our good deeds." 1600 years later the words still evoke the need to be intentional and urgent regarding the disposition of our souls.

Humility also makes an appearance. We are told "do not pride ourselves" because the good we do does not come from within us but results from a response to God's call to us. Whenever I have an opportunity to read at mass or serve as a eucharistic minister, I remind myself, "Not for my glory, but for yours, Lord." The thought is no original to me but has been lesson for Benedictines from the very start.

What I have, I have through God's grace.