1500 years ago a man forsook his “father’s house and wealth; with a mind only to serve God.” St. Benedict’s desire to serve God without restraint led to the formation of one of the oldest existing monastic orders in the Christian world. To see a brief history of the Monastic orders check out: www.kansasmonks.org. St. Benedict is the Father of western monasticism and it is said that through his order he saved western civilization.
5 years ago at this time I was preparing for my freshman year at Benedictine College. At that time I didn’t even know what the word “Benedictine” meant. I was not Catholic, and new very little about the Catholic Church, but I was going to a Catholic College founded by Benedictine monks because I received a scholarship to play basketball.
After two years at Benedictine College I had come face to face with Jesus Christ and the truth of the Catholic Faith and it was time for me to make a decision. By Grace I chose to come home, and my junior year I entered the Catholic Church.
In reflecting upon my own journey today on this Feast of St. Benedict I saw how much impact faithfulness can have on the world. A man who died in the 6th century, who had simple (yet extremely powerful) desire to follow God, changed my life in the 21st century!! Thats crazy!!
When someone completely gives all to pursue our Lord the consequences are felt throughout the ages. If Benedict had decided that he would serve God, but only partially, possibly so that he could stay in Rome, where would we be? Where would I be? Without Benedictine College, I would not be a Catholic, and without St. Benedict, there would be no Benedictine College.
As missionaries we have to strive for this. We have to be devoted like St. Benedict to serving God. The world may call him radical, but I call him simple-minded. Nothing matters but our faithfulness to God. We can’t be afraid to leave Rome. Until Heaven, we won’t know the impact we will have for the rest of time. St. Benedict’s faithfulness and devotion brought about the conversion of this young Benedictine college basketball player in 2005.
One day, if I make it to the Heavenly banquet, I hope to book a table for all of us who have had their lives changed by St. Benedict so that we can toast to the man who showed us our King.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Matt // Jul 12, 2007 at 4:09 am
P.S. Sorry this isn’t about America…it was a day I couldn’t pass up!
2 Kevin Cotter // Jul 12, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Matt,
Sweet post. His simple radical following of the Gospel continues as an example for us today. Our lives will echo into the future, and yes even into eternity. May we have this perspective always!
3 NKStanley // Jul 18, 2007 at 9:04 pm
People should read The Life and Miracles of St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great! I remember talking to a good monk friend of mine and he told me that all monks use to have to memorize the prologue of the Rule of St. Benedict. A good noble life goal for all those pursing the face of Christ. Plus the prologue will probably bring tears to your eyes!
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