RB Reflections: 13 June 2008

Feb. 12 - June 13 - Oct. 13

Chapter 10. The Arrangement of the Night Office in Summer

From Easter until the first of November, the winter arrangement for the number of psalms is followed. But because summer nights are shorter, the readings from the book are omitted. In place of the three readings, one from the Old Testament is substituted. This is to be recited by heart, followed by a short responsory. In everything else, the winter arrangement for Vigils is kept. Thus, winter and summer, there are never fewer than twelve psalms at vigils, not counting Psalms 3 and 94.

How practical Benedict is! He knew that if the sun rose before the monks had a chance to get to the bathroom before they had to start Lauds, that he would have messy situation on his hands. Although, the image is kinda funny, that is not my intention. The point is, he is a practical man in everything he says in the rule.

This chapter shows that corners sometimes have to be cut in order to fulfill the real duty. In this case, the real duty is getting those fourteen psalms said while it was still night. To accomplish this he decided to cut the three readings down to one, and it was recited by heart! What a great knowledge of scripture Benedict expected from his monks. We have only to remember yesterday when he said if there is time after Vigils those who need to study the readings or the psalms should do so before Lauds.

The lesson for us as Lay Cistercian's might be that we too need to be practical in our arrangements, not only in our prayers, but also in the way we live day to day. We have said time and again that we are not wanna be monks, or wanna be nuns, so to be Cistercian, and true to our status as lay people, we must cut a corner or two ourselves. The circumstances of our lives -- again recalling Fr. Michael's formation paper -- must dictate not only our obedience, but how we conduct our prayer lives, as well.

Although Benedict doesn't come right out and say it, he makes practical cuts for the summer months. Benedict is not paring down the office because it's too long for him, he pares it down so they can finish before sunrise, go to the bathroom, and still get to Lauds by the time the sun comes up. In the same way we must be practical in our lives as Lay Cistercian's. Balancing a life of prayer, contemplation, lectio divina, work, study, and conversion of manners (life), and still hold down a job, raise a family and obey the laws of the land -- is not an easy task. Sometimes cutting corners has to be done.

May God bring us altogether to everlasting life.