Fr. Mauritius Wilde Archives

HR#31 The Life of St. Benedict – “Easter Day” – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B

Episode 31- The Holy Rule of St. Benedict: A Spiritual Path for Today’s World with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B., PhD.

“The Life of St. Benedict pt 4”

We continue our conversation on the life of St. Benedict by using the biography penned by St. Gregory the Great. This episode St. Benedict is visited a priest on Easter Sunday morning in the cave and is called from his seclusion.

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From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

CHAPTER I.

Now when it pleased Almighty God that Romanus should rest from his labours, and that the life of Benedict should be manifest to the world for an example to all men, that the candle set upon a candlestick might shine and give light to the whole Church of God, our Lord vouchsafed to appear to a certain Priest living far off, who had make ready his dinner for Easter Day, saying to him: “Thou hast prepared good cheer for thyself, and My servant in such a place is famished for hunger.” Who presently rose up, and on the solemn day of Easter went towards the place with such meat as he had provided for himself, where seeking the man of God, amongst craggy rocks, winding valleys and hollow pits he found him hid in a cave. Then after prayers, and blessing the Almighty Lord, they sat down, and after some spiritual discourse the Priest said: “Rise, and let us take our refection, for this is Easter Day.” To whom the man of God answered: “I know it is Easter, because I have found so much favour as to see thee.” (For not having a long time conversed with men, he did not know it was Easter Day.) The good Priest did therefore again affirm it, saying: “Truly this is the day of our Lord’s Resurrection, and therefore it is not fit that you should keep abstinence, and for this cause I am sent that we may eat together that which Almighty God hath bestowed on us.” Whereupon blessing God, they fell to their meat. Their discourse and dinner ended, the Priest returned to his Church.

For more information about the ministry of the the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska visit here:

HR#32 The Life of St. Benedict – “Who is the Beast and Who is the Saint?” – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B

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“The Life of St. Benedict pt 3”

We continue our conversation on the life of St. Benedict by using the biography penned by St. Gregory the Great. In this episode St. Benedict where he becomes free through detachment and becomes a light to others. The moment in St. Benedict’s life is a great paradox. The one who outwardly looks like the beast, inwardly reveals the saint.

From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

CHAPTER I.

About the same time certain shepherds found him hid in a cave; who, at the first, spying him among the bushes, clothed in the skins of beasts, took him for some wild beast, but afterwards knowing him to be a servant of God, many of them were converted from their savage life to virtue. By this means his name began to be famous in the country, and many did resort unto him, bringing with them necessaries for his body, while they received from his lips the food of life.

Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological, and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Ne

LSB6 – Dealing with Serious Temptation – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dealing with Serious Temptation – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor discuss St. Benedict’s struggle with sexual temptation, where he chose to endure pain rather than indulge in harmful behaviors. It contrasts this with modern society’s tendency to avoid pain through self-medication.

Fr. Mauritius also stresses the importance of facing suffering for spiritual growth, emphasizing detachment’s role in achieving true fulfillment and fruitfulness in life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Engaging with Temptation: How does St. Benedict’s encounter with temptation challenge us to confront our own temptations in life?
Detachment and Self-Medication: How does the podcast critique modern society’s tendency to self-medicate instead of confronting pain and reality?
Embracing Suffering: What insights can we gain from St. Benedict’s willingness to endure suffering as a means of spiritual growth and detachment?
Fruitfulness Through Detachment: Reflect on how St. Benedict’s detachment ultimately led to fruitfulness in his life. How can we apply this principle to our own lives?
Value of Longing: Consider the hosts’ discussion on embracing longing and desire. How might viewing these yearnings positively impact our spiritual journey?

From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

CHAPTER I.

“The holy man being on a certain day alone, the tempter was at hand; for a little black bird, commonly called an ousel, began to fly about his face, and that so near as the holy man, if he would. might have taken it with his hand; but no sooner had he made the sign of the cross than the bird vanished. When presently so great a carnal temptation assailed him, that before the holy man had never felt the like. For the remembrance of a woman which some time he had seen, was so lively represented to his fancy by the wicked spirit, and so vehemently did her image inflame his breast with lustful desires, that almost overcome by pleasure, he was determining to leave the wilderness. But suddenly assisted with divine
grace he came to himself, and, seeing near him a thicket full of nettles and briars, he threw off his garments and cast himself naked into the midst of those sharp thorns and nettles, where he rolled himself so long, that, when he rose up, all his body was pitifully rent; thus by the wounds of his flesh he cured those of his soul, by turning pleasure into pain; and by the vehemence of outward torments he extinguished the unlawful flame which burnt within overcoming sin by changing the fire. After which time, as he himself related to his disciples, he was so free from the like temptation, that he never felt any such motion.”

Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE

LSB7 – God’s Dwelling Within – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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God’s Dwelling Within – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor discuss St. Benedict’s journey, emphasizing letting go of ego to dwell with God. TFr. Mauritius warns against the trap of false humility and the belief that techniques alone can lead to spiritual growth, stressing the role of grace in allowing God to enter our lives. The goal is to dwell with God in this life and in eternity, akin to the peaceful state imagined in heaven.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Journey Reflection: Reflect on the struggles and temptations faced by St. Benedict on his spiritual journey. How do these challenges parallel with your own spiritual journey?
Dwelling with God: Consider the concept of dwelling with oneself in the presence of God. How can you cultivate this sense of peaceful dwelling with God in your own life?
Letting Go of Ego: Fr. Mauritius speaks about the importance of letting go of ego to allow God to enter our hearts. How can you actively let go of ego and open yourself more fully to God’s presence?
Role of Grace: Discuss the role of grace in spiritual growth. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God’s grace in your life?
False Humility: Reflect on the concept of false humility. How can you ensure that your humility is genuine and not merely a facade?
Techniques vs. Grace: Consider the balance between spiritual techniques and reliance on God’s grace. How can you integrate both in your spiritual practice?
Goal of Dwelling with God: Reflect on the ultimate goal of dwelling with God both in this life and in eternity. How does this perspective shape your spiritual aspirations and priorities?

From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

CHAPTER III.

“This said, he forthwith returned to the solitude he loved so well, and lived there with himself, in the sight of Him who seeth all things.”