Chapter 19. The Discipline of Psalmody
We believe that the divine presence is everywhere and that in every place the eyes of the Lord are watching the good and the wicked (Prov. 15:3). But beyond the least doubt we should believe this to be especially true when we celebrate the divine office.
We must always remember, therefore, what the Prophet says: Serve the Lord with fear (Ps 2:11) and again, Sing praise wisely (Ps 46[47]:8); and, In the presence of the angels I will sing to you (Ps 137[138]:1). Let us consider, then, how we ought to behave in the presence of God and his angels, and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices.
In these reflections it is not the purpose to make the reflections deep, spiritual treatises. No, the purpose is to assist us in our Lay Cistcercian life -- yes, to remember the prayers, and the vast importance Benedict has laid upon them -- as we learn to act in such a way as "our minds are in harmony with our voices."
Regular readers know how I have been harping for weeks now about the meeting at Huerta and the changes that will inevitably comes about as a result of our asking the OCSO for a deeper relationship: heck, for outright recognition. "The times they are a changin'" sang Bob Dylan, and for all of us the times are changing.
The changes that are coming, and the challenge to deeper and more serious prayer by Benedict, should push us to ever deeper reflection into what this Lay Cistercian Charism really means for each of us in our lives. We'll no doubt be asked to give up certain cherished practices to take up something new. If we are serious, we will do it. If we are playing at being monks/nuns then we'll balk and resist and complain and....didn't Benedict have something to say about that early on in the Rule? It might even mean that those of us who want to be Lay Cistercian's but can't be bothered to come to the local meetings have to either ante up or move on.
May God bring us altogether to everlasting life. Not one at a time, but altogether.
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