bedience and silence are but manifestations of humility, an important virtue in a monk’s spiritual character. Benedict devoted a long chapter of the Rule to it. He compared our life in this world to a ladder which the Lord, having respect to our humility of heart, raises up unto heaven.
When all these degrees of humility have been scaled, (Saint Benedict counts 12), the monk will presently come to that perfect love of God which casts out all fear. This will the Lord deign to show by the power of his Spirit in his workman now cleansed from vice and from sin

Rule of Saint Benedict, chapter 7



n the first place, to love the Lord God with all one’s heart,
all one’s soul and all one’s strength.
Then one’s neighbour as oneself.
Honor all men.
Never do to another what one would not have done to oneself.
Deny oneself, in order to follow Christ.
Love fasting.
Clothe the naked.
Console the afflicted.
Prefer nothing to the love of Christ.
Never yield to anger.
Never forsake charity.
Utter truth from heart and mouth.
Put one’s hope in God.
Desire eternal life with all spiritual longing.
Listen gladly to holy reading.
Apply oneself frequently to prayer.
Fulfill God’s commandments daily in one’s deeds.
Love chastity.
Shun vainglory.
Make peace with one’s adversary before sundown.
Never despair of God’s mercy.


Rule of Saint Benedict, chapter 4

 

 

 
isten...and open the ear of your heart”. It is with these words that Benedict began his Rule. Through an active and responsible obedience the monk accomplishes the words he has heard. Saint Benedict said that, just as disobedience separates us from God, obedience draws us nearer to him.

Obedience is a loving answer to God. The monk obeys his Abbot because he wishes to imitate Christ who came down to earth to do the will of his Father. In the monastery, obedience is shown not only to the Abbot, but also to the brethren.
Disciples should give their obedience with a good will, because God loveth a cheerful giver.

Rule of Saint Benedict, chapter 5

 

 
olitude and silence are essential for him who listens to God. Saint Benedict attached great importance to both. The monastery must be a house of silence and peace. Such an atmosphere is conducive to meditation and contemplation; it favours the intimate dialogue of the monk with his God. Silence is a path to interior liberty, a sign of a fullness of love.

 

However, speaking has its just role in the monastery. Work and hospitality require it. Furthermore, recreation follows meals and figures as a means to foster the family spirit.