Father of Western Monasticism – Jul 11 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jul 11, 2023, on the life of St Benedict, who left the scholarly life in Rome to enter religious life, becoming a hermit, and ended up starting the foundation for Western monastic life at Monte Casino and ironically preserved much of the scholarly knowledge of Rome that he once left behind.

Saint Benedict, was born around 480 in Norcia. Narratives about him from Saint Gregory the Great, a follower of Benedict's rule, depict him as the father of Western monasticism. At 15-20 years, Benedict was sent to Rome for education. However, afraid of falling into vice like his peers, he chose a life of religious humility over worldly pride. It's ironic that his disciples would later preserve Latin literature. Benedict’s choice attests to [Matthew 19:29 - Those who forsake things for Jesus' sake will receive a hundredfold - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/19?29] and [Matthew 6:33 - Seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, and all other things shall be given - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?33].

Initially, Benedict lived alone near Subiaco. His virtue strengthened there, making him ready to guide others. After being rejected as an abbot due to his strict discipline, he returned to solitude. Nevertheless, he attracted disciples and established twelve monasteries. His disciples, Maurus and Placid, experienced miraculous events related to Benedict's blessing and their obedience.

He settled atop Monte Cassino in 529, destroying a temple of Apollo and establishing a chapel. Here, he wrote his renowned rule, emphasizing nothing should be preferred over Christ's love. This principle overthrew idolatry, as his monastery had replaced a pagan temple. Despite his death in 547, Benedict's rule spread widely, shaping the Christian Middle Ages. The monastery endured multiple destructions and reconstructions but always stood as a beacon, following Benedict's Rule.

00:00 – Introduction
00:10 – The Birth and Early Life of Saint Benedict
01:09 – Embracing the Religious Life
02:49 – First Miracle and Living in Solitude
03:30 – First try as an Abbot
04:07 – Return to Solitude
04:31 – Growth of the Monastic Community and Miracles
06:32 – Saint Benedict's New Phase at Monte Cassino
07:19 – The Rule of Saint Benedict and His TeachingsAve Maria!

Mass: St. Benedict - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=26
Readings: Tuesday 14th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071123.cfm
1st: gen 32:23-33
Resp: psa 17:1-3, 6-8, 15
Gsp: mat 9:32-38

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1105&r=1439

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