This is the fourth and final part in a series here at Journeying with the Saints about what it means to be an oblate, specifically as I was received as an oblate candidate at Mount Saviour Monastery, and the Benedictine way of life. I conclude with a discussion on the final item, The Rule of St. Benedict, with which I was presented upon my reception as an oblate candidate at Mount Saviour Monastery.
After I received the Medal of St. Benedict, Fr. Martin then presented me with The Rule of St. Benedict along with an exhortation.
Receive this copy of the Rule of St. Benedict, written in the spirit of the gospels. Let it be your guide in life as a Christian and an oblate. May it guide you in the way of Christ. May your concerns for the needs of others continuously grow as you give of yourself to build up a true Christian bond with those around you: the strong and the weak, the wise and the unwise, the healthy and the sick, the rich and the poor, the joyous and those afflicted with sorrow, the lovable and the unlovable, the secure and insecure, those well cared for and those who are neglected, the young and the aged, those placed over you and those under your care. May your study of this rule inspire you to work zealously with others where you are, for the good of humanity and the glory of God. May God bless you and guide you in your striving to be a faithful witness of Christ and Saint Benedict.
He then concluded with these final blessings: May God’s grace protect you always. Amen. May you be a sign of God’s love for all people. Amen. And may Almighty God bless you, the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Amen.
For more on The Rule of St. Benedict, visit here.
(I’d write more, but I have to go to practice charity with my wife as we clean up our house with my in-laws visiting tomorrow. May the peace of Christ be with you — and especially with me tonight. :-)
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August 23, 2008 at 12:43 pm
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