The Benedictine Way

In this book of reflections about Benedictine spirituality, author Daniel Conway shares with readers his reflections on the joy and peace that he has found in and through 50 years of association with women and men who follow the "Benedictine Way." In spite of what some would say, the Benedictine way is not primarily about the fuga mundi (withdrawal or "flight from the world"). It is, instead, a way of "being in the world but not of it," a manner of engagement that allows Christians to enjoy all the good things God has made without turning them into false idols that distort our values and consume us in the process. Archabbot Kurt Stasiak of Saint Meinrad summarizes Benedictine monasticism as "seeking God in community" which presumes a commitment to being guided by others and helping others find God. Prayer and fidelity to the common life are the principal ways that followers of St. Benedict seek God in community over the course of a whole lifetime. Archabbot Kurt goes on to say that "mutual obedience to the Rule, the abbot and to each other is the way to God" for monks and for all who strive to live according to the teaching of St. Benedict. Once it is understood and lived authentically, the Benedictine Way is truly a way of peace and joy. That never happens overnight. It takes time to absorb the principles and practices of Benedictine spirituality and to integrate them into our minds and hearts. This is true for vowed monks whose whole lives are dedicated to living the Rule of Benedict in a particular place and time. It's also true for ordinary people who are not called to be monks but who are seeking ways to live the Gospel that can help them cope with the madness of everyday living "in the world."