Every night at Compline, we reflect on a short passage from the Rule to remind us of what we are striving to live, and to listen to what the Lord may have to say to us. We offer here our own personal and anonymous reflections, contributed to by the whole community. We hope that, by sharing in our spiritual life, you will be able to explore further your own.
We live in a world today where we are encouraged to be confident people, to believe in ourselves and make sure we do not allow anyone to put us down. And rightly so! Saint Benedict though asks us to reflect on who or what is this confidence based, on sand or rock? For Saint Benedict all that we have, all that we are is pure gift; the very breath we take is a beautiful gift from God. We all know that who we are is based to a certain extent upon those people and places that have influenced us over our lifetime – our parents, family, teachers, religious leaders, friends, and the community we grew up in. These influences can be for the good, though sadly at times they are not. God is the one though who has loved us into being and we are precious in his eyes. All that we are and all that we have come from him who loves us. Our call in life is to allow God’s power to work within us, for our good and the good of those around us. We will grow in life as we learn to become the person God has called us to be. At times there will be difficulties and storms in life but we can remain confident that God is on our side. We therefore need a heart full of gratitude even in the midst of struggle so that we can say with the psalmist: Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name alone be the glory. We can say this because our confidence rests upon the rock of God’s love for each of us.
Find past reflections on the Rule here.