RB Reflection: 27 July 2008

Chapter 47. Announcing the Hours for the Work of God

It is the abbot's care to announce, day and night, the hour for the Work of God. He may do so personally or delegate the responsibility to a conscientious brother, so that everything may be done at the proper time.

Only those so authorized are to lead psalms and refrains, after the abbot according to their rank. No one should presume to read or sing unless he is able to benefit the hearers; let this be done with humility, seriousness and reverence, and at the abbot's bidding.

Today the bells take care of the summoning for the Work of God. Of course, it's up to the abbot to determine when those hours are, but for the most part I'd say that is set by tradition more than the abbot's own determination. At least for long established communities. And, clearly don't have the tone deaf brother intone the psalm, or the brother with the serious stutter doing the readings.

So much for the 6th century and monastic practice. What about Lay Cistercian practice? What are we to take from this chapter? I cheated today and checked what Sr. Joan had to say about this, and she says that the meaning under the meaning is that the group must always become more conscientious about prayer.

As Lay Cistercians are we conscientious about prayer? Is it prayer that guides our decisions, both as individuals and as a group? Is the LCG prayer driven, or are we too busy trying to figure out our administrative problems?

Am I saying those problems are not important? No. I am not.

Am I implying that those who wrestle with our administrative problems are not people of prayer and deep contemplation? No. I am not.

So then, what am I saying? First, the LCG does not get together and say 7 rounds of prayers on a daily basis. This chapter must be seen in light of our secular experience as LCG. So, we must first of all remember our call to prayer, to support one another in prayer, and especially to give prayerful support to our Executive Council. We place people on that council who figuratively "read or sing [because] s/he is able to benefit the hearers," therefore let us pray for them.

May God bring us altogether to everlasting life.