The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 44

We have now seen some of the everyday governance that takes place in a monastery. Being in a monastery, however, things will always have a spiritual slant to them, and when the Church is involved there is always the possibility - no matter how sad and heartbreaking - of being excommunicated.

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 43

We move now back into things dealing with the spiritual side of things. This is, after all, a Rule for monks. 

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 42

We now know the times when monks should eat - and interestingly enough I recently read an article that talked about the health benefits of skipping breakfast and doing intermittent fasting. Yes, we know when the monks should eat, but how should they conduct themselves afterward?

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 41

We have read about how much food to eat. We have read about how much wine to drink. And we have even read about allowing the sick, the elderly, and the children to have a bit more as they need it. Now we will read about when the brothers should eat. It sounds immeasurably strange, but I hope to explain below the text why this should be something written about.

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 40

Continuing on with the everyday life we now go into the proper amount of drink. This sounds ridiculous at first - thinking that surely the monks are allowed to drink when they are out working and get thirsty. But, a closer look at what the monks are drinking sheds a little light on this issue.

The Masculine Appeal of Paganism

I've seen a disturbing trend across social media lately. Many of the men that I know were Christian - even if nominally so - are seemingly leaving their faith and embracing Paganism and Asatru (belief in the Norse gods). Why would this be so? What is causing these men to leave behind Christianity and pick up these different beliefs?

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 39

Yesterday we read about the Reader during meal times. We have previously mentioned that monks eat less food and that the sick, the elderly, and the children get more food than the other brothers. What then is the proper amount of food?

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 38

We've been covering some of the everyday life in the monastery lately. This next chapter covers some more of the spiritual, but still everyday life.

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 37

I apologize for not posting over the weekend. I had a birthday in the family, and then a migraine the following day. Anyway, moving on.

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 36

We have seen that there are exceptions to be made for the brothers in need. It is good for us to allow these weaker brethren exceptions because we are being merciful, just as God is merciful to us in our own weakness. This charity extends also to the brethren who have taken ill.

Religion is the Root of All Evil

I've been seeing around social media (ugh) so many people decrying the evils of all religion. There are claims that religion is the number one reason for war. There are claims that religions were made up to control the masses. And there are claims that religions are the biggest money making scams out there. Let's review these claims.

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 35

It is good for brethren to come together and dwell in unity. And it is good for the brethren to serve each other, so that all are made humble and equal.

The Passing of Clyde Morris

My Father-In-Law passed away last night around 10:30. He will be missed.

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 34

We have seen how to choose a cellarer, how to deal out good and tools, and what to do with property ownership. These things, while seemingly menial, are done in these ways for the betterment of the community. But, what if the brothers have certain needs? How is that dealt with?

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 33

Rules, rules, rules. Why all of these rules? Rules help us govern our lives, and when we dedicate our lives to Christ we have rules to follow that govern our lives the way He wants us to live.

Saint Laurence of Rome

Saint Laurence of Rome was martyred on August 10th in the AD 258.

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 32

We keep moving along with the daily administrative routine of the monastery. I know that we may think that these details are boring, or just menial things added, but there is wisdom in each chapter.

The Rule of Saint Benedict: Chapter 31

It has been a while since I've updated, I know. I have been rather busy with life, though not too busy to disregard my spiritual life, just my blog. You can read in my update from earlier today what I've been busy doing, if you so choose, or you can stay right here and continue on with our journey through the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Update from Anchorage

I know that I have been absent from my blog for some time; I had a lot going on in my life with my wife finishing up her Master's degree, me dealing with the military some more, and the family getting ready to make a massive move!