The Life of St. Benedict Archives

LSB5 – Holiness Beyond Appearance – 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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Holiness Beyond Appearance – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor continue their discussion of the life of St. Benedict. In this episode, they highlight his journey of detachment from cultural norms and societal expectations to deepen his relationship with God.

They explore how Benedict’s appearance in the wilderness led shepherds to mistake him for a wild animal initially, symbolizing his detachment from cultural conventions. Despite his unconventional appearance, Benedict’s holiness was recognized by the shepherds, highlighting the idea that true holiness transcends outward appearances.

Fr. Mauritius extends to the broader theme of detachment from cultural biases in spiritual growth, drawing parallels with missionaries and the need to embrace others. He notes the importance of being vulnerable before God, shedding societal masks to reveal our true selves. Fr. Mauritius encourages listeners to examine their cultural biases, appreciate different perspectives, and embrace vulnerability in their spiritual journeys.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Recognition of Holiness: How does St. Benedict’s story challenge our perceptions of holiness, particularly in recognizing it beyond outward appearances?
Detachment from Cultural Norms: What lessons can we learn from Benedict’s detachment from societal expectations, and how might this apply to our own cultural biases?
Embracing Perspectives: In what ways can we emulate Benedict’s openness to different perspectives and cultures in our interactions with others?
Authenticity in Prayer: How does Benedict’s journey encourage us to be authentic and vulnerable before God, especially in moments of prayer and reflection?
Cultural Critique and Improvement: Reflecting on our own culture, what aspects do we appreciate, and what areas do we see as needing improvement or correction?
Embracing Otherness: How do we view immigrants or unfamiliar cultures, and are we open to learning from them as God-inspired expressions of diversity?

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

LSB4 – Call From Seclusion – 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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Call From Seclusion- The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor continue their discussion about the life of St. Benedict. They delve into his journey of detachment from earthly ties, including his parents and his immersion into solitude.

Fr. Mauritius also highlights a significant encounter where Benedict forgets the date of Easter, suggesting a detachment even from the Church’s calendar, leading to a deeper understanding of the Easter mystery. This experience is likened to an analog versus original experience, where Benedict transitions from outward knowing to inward experiencing.

The discussion expands to the broader significance of Easter and the importance of active participation and interior understanding within the Church. It concludes with reflections on gratitude towards the Church, personal contribution to its vitality, addressing problems respectfully, and continuing prayer.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Gratitude for Church Gifts: Reflect on the aspects of the Church that you’re thankful for and how you’ve benefited from them.
Personal Contribution to Church Life: Contemplate how you can actively contribute to making the Church more vibrant and alive in your community.
Addressing Church Challenges: Consider any issues or problems within the Church and how you can respectfully and constructively engage with them.
Deepening Prayer with the Church: Reflect on how you can deepen your prayer life in alignment with the Church’s teachings and traditions.
Living the Mystery of Easter: How can you live out the mystery of Easter in your daily life beyond just celebrating it as a yearly ritual?
Active Participation in Church Life: How can you actively participate in the life of the Church, both spiritually and practically, to foster its growth and renewal?

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.”

LSB3 – Who Broke The Bell? – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B. – Discerning Heart Podcast

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The Life of St. Benedict pt 3 – Who Broke The Bell?

In this episode of “The Holy Rule of St. Benedict: A Spiritual Path for Today’s World,” hosted by Kris McGregor and featuring Father Mauritius Wilde O.S.B., listeners are invited to explore the life and spiritual journey of St. Benedict.

The podcast highlights a pivotal moment in St. Benedict’s life when disgusted by his surroundings in Rome, he chooses to follow God’s call over his father’s wishes. This journey leads him to live in a cave for three years, where he is sustained by the monk Romanus, who discreetly delivers food to him. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when St. Benedict, in his quest for total solitude and detachment from worldly needs, mistakenly believes he no longer needs Romanus’s help. This leads to a deeper exploration of the themes of solitude, the dangers of spiritual extremism, and the necessity of community and moderation in spiritual life.

Father Mauritius skillfully connects St. Benedict’s experiences to broader spiritual lessons, emphasizing the importance of humility, community, and the balance between spiritual devotion and practical needs. The episode concludes with a reflection on St. Benedict’s realization that he had gone too far in his detachment, leading to an understanding of the need for balance between solitude and community.

Listeners are encouraged to learn from St. Benedict’s journey, understanding that while solitude and detachment are valuable, they must be balanced with community and humility. The podcast serves as a reminder that in the spiritual journey, extremism can be as dangerous as apathy, and that true holiness lies in recognizing our human limits and the grace of God in all aspects of life.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts:

Balancing Solitude and Relationships: Reflect on your ability to balance the call to solitude and contemplation with the responsibilities and relationships in your daily life, and consider how you can create a harmonious balance between these aspects.
Guarding Against Spiritual Extremism: In light of St. Benedict’s story, which highlights the dangers of spiritual extremism, think about ways you can guard against going to extremes in your own spiritual practices and beliefs.
Practicing Detachment: The concept of detachment is a key theme in the episode. Contemplate how you understand and practice detachment in your own life and how this brings you closer to God.
The Role of Community: Consider the role of community in your spiritual life. Reflect on how your faith community supports your spiritual growth and how you contribute to the spiritual well-being of others in your community.
Cultivating Spiritual Humility: Think about the idea of spiritual humility as discussed in the podcast. Explore ways in which you can cultivate a more humble approach to your spiritual life and your relationship with God.
Embracing Moderation: Given St. Benedict’s realization of the importance of moderation in his spiritual journey, identify how you can apply the principle of moderation to your own practices of prayer, fasting, work, and leisure.
Supporting and Being Supported: The story of St. Benedict and Romanus underscores the importance of mutual support in our spiritual journeys. Reflect on how you experience this mutual support in your life and how you can be more open to both giving and receiving spiritual support.
Responding to Disruption: Recall the moment when the bell, signaling Romanus’s delivery of food to St. Benedict, was broken. Think about moments in your spiritual journey where your ‘bell’ – a symbol of guidance or support – was broken, how you responded to this disruption, and what it taught you about reliance on God and others in your faith journey.
Integrating Lessons into Daily Life: Lastly, ponder how you can integrate the lessons from St. Benedict’s life into your daily actions, decisions, and relationships, keeping in mind the central message of finding balance between solitude, community, and service in your walk with God.

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

CHAPTER I.

As he was travelling to this place, a certain monk called Romanus met him and asked whither he was going. Having understood his intention, he both kept it secret and afforded him help, moreover he gave him a religious habit and assisted him in all things. The man of God being come to this place lived for the space of three years in an obscure cave, unknown to any man except Romanus the Monk, who lived not far off in a Monastery governed by Father Deodatus. But he would piously steal forth, and on certain days bring to Benedict a loaf of bread which he had spared from his own allowance. But there being no way to the cave from Romanus his cell by reason of a steep and high rock which hung over it, Romanus used to let down the loaf by a long cord to which also he fastened a little bell, that by the sound of it, the man of God might know when Romanus brought him the bread, and going out may receive it. But the old enemy, envying the charity of the one and the refection of the other, when on a certain day he beheld the bread let down in this manner, threw a stone and brake the bell. Notwithstanding, Romanus afterwards failed not to assist him in the best manner he was able.

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 the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska

LSB2 – The Grace of Detachment – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Life of St. Benedict pt 2 – The Grace of Detachment

In this podcast episode, Father Mauritius and the host, Kris McGregor, explore the life of St. Benedict and specifically delve into the role of his mother in his spiritual journey. St. Benedict’s decision to abandon his studies in Rome and pursue a life of solitude is discussed, along with the symbolic incident of a broken tray miraculously restored. The broken tray represents the detachment from his motherly figure, and the podcast delves into the psychological aspects of this detachment.

Father Mauritius emphasizes that while Benedict’s departure from his father was relatively easier, separating from the motherly influence was more challenging. The discussion touches on the archetypal roles of fathers and mothers, highlighting the natural difficulty mothers face in letting their children go.

The concept of detachment is explored in the context of societal expectations and familial bonds. Father Mauritius emphasizes the importance of inner maturity and responding to a deeper call rather than adhering to external age-based expectations. The podcast draws parallels with other saints, such as St. Monica and Edith Stein, who faced challenges in detachment from their mothers.

The conversation also touches on the need for mothers to trust their children’s spiritual journey and the significance of finding a balance between detachment and attachment. Father Mauritius suggests a test for determining the level of detachment by assessing one’s feelings when returning home or interacting with parents.

The podcast concludes with reflections on the enduring influence of parents, even after their passing, and the necessity of finding peace in relationships with parents through prayer and understanding.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts:

Detachment and Spiritual Journey: Reflect on your own spiritual journey. In what ways have you experienced detachment from societal expectations or familial bonds in response to a deeper call?
Symbolism of the Broken Tray: Consider the symbolism of the broken tray in St. Benedict’s story. Are there aspects of your life where you have experienced brokenness, and how might this relate to detachment and spiritual growth?
Challenges of Detachment: Father Mauritius discusses the challenges of detachment, especially from maternal figures. How do you perceive the challenges of detachment in your own life? Are there areas where detachment is difficult for you?
Inner Process of Detachment: Father Mauritius emphasizes that detachment is an inner process. Reflect on your own journey of inner maturity. How have you grown in detachment, and in what areas do you still find it challenging?
Trusting in the Spiritual Journey: Consider the importance of trust in the spiritual journey. How can parents trust in the spiritual paths of their children? Reflect on the balance between guidance and allowing space for their spiritual growth.
Test for Detachment: Father Mauritius suggests a test for detachment based on feelings when returning home. How do you feel when revisiting your family or interacting with your parents? What might your feelings reveal about your level of detachment?
Peace in Relationships: Reflect on the idea of finding peace in relationships with parents. How can prayer and understanding contribute to a peaceful relationship with your parents, whether they are alive or have passed away?
Role Models in Detachment: Explore the lives of saints like St. Benedict, St. Monica, and Edith Stein, who faced challenges in detachment. How can their experiences serve as role models for navigating detachment in your own spiritual journey?

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

INTRODUCTION.
THERE was a man of venerable life, Benedict by name and grace, who from the time of his very childhood carried the heart of an old man. His demeanour indeed surpassing his age, he gave himself no disport or pleasure, but living here upon earth he despised the world with all the glory thereof, at such time as he might have most freely enjoyed it. He was born in the province of Nursia of honourable parentage and sent to Rome to study the liberal sciences. But when he saw there many through the uneven paths of vice run headlong to their own ruin, he drew back his foot, but new-set in the world, lest, in the search of human knowledge, he might also fall into the same dangerous precipice. Contemning therefore learning and studies and abandoning his father’s house and goods, he desired only to please God in a virtuous life. Therefore he departed skilfully ignorant and wisely unlearned.

LSB1 – The Reception of the First Grace – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B

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The Reception of the First Grace – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B

The podcast takes a closer look at St. Benedict, a fascinating historical figure, through the lens of his Rule. Father Mauritius emphasizes St. Benedict’s timeless wisdom, exploring how the Rule serves as a spiritual guide even in today’s world. The discussion touches upon St. Benedict’s biography, written by Pope Gregory, offering unique insights into the saint’s life and miracles.

The conversation unfolds with an exploration of St. Benedict’s early life, born to distinguished parents in Nor, Italy. The narrative highlights his journey to Rome for education, where he experienced a profound shift in perspective, leading him to turn away from worldly pleasures and embrace religious life. Father Mauritius underscores the courage and wisdom displayed by St. Benedict in defying his father’s expectations and choosing a different path, guided by a higher calling.

Much of the conversation reflects on the grace of detachment in St. Benedict’s life. The narrative unfolds how St. Benedict’s detachment from his father was not a rejection but a freeing process, aligning with the broader spiritual principles discussed in the Rule. Father Mauritius draws parallels between St. Benedict’s journey and the challenges individuals face in detaching from earthly expectations, fostering a deeper connection with God.

The podcast also addresses the role of prayer and experience in St. Benedict’s discernment process. Father Mauritius emphasizes the importance of integrating personal experiences with a prayerful perspective, mirroring St. Benedict’s own journey of discovery and transformation.

Overall, the episode provides a rich exploration of St. Benedict’s life and teachings, offering valuable insights into applying his spiritual principles in contemporary contexts. The engaging dialogue between Kris McGregor and Father Mauritius Wilde OSB makes for a thought-provoking and enlightening listening experience for anyone interested in spiritual growth and the enduring relevance of St. Benedict’s Rule.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. St. Benedict’s Detachment: Explore the parallels between St. Benedict’s journey of detachment and your own spiritual path.
2. Fatherly Influences: Reflect on the impact of earthly fathers on life choices, considering expectations, conflicts, and navigated detours.
3. Prayer and Detachment: Examine how prayer has played a role in discerning God’s will and detaching from worldly expectations.
4. Integration of Prayer and Experience: Delve into the relationship between prayer and personal experiences in making major life decisions.
5. Detachment and True Freedom: Reflect on detachment not as a breaking away but as a journey toward genuine freedom in various aspects of life.
6. Reflecting on Emotions: Consider elements that made St. Benedict thankful, angry, or sad regarding his father, and apply this reflection to your own experiences.
7. Detachment and Absent Fathers: For those who lacked a strong relationship with earthly fathers, explore how St. Benedict’s detachment might inspire a deeper connection with the heavenly Father.
8. Healing Wounds from Absence: Reflect on the impact of absent or deceased fathers, and consider how prayer and spiritual reflection can aid in healing.
9. Applying Spiritual Law: Contemplate the spiritual law mentioned by Father Mauritius, understanding its application in daily life.
10. Sharing Reflections: Consider sharing your reflections with a friend or mentor, fostering a deeper understanding of St. Benedict’s teachings in your faith journey.

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

INTRODUCTION.
THERE was a man of venerable life, Benedict by name and grace, who from the time of his very childhood carried the heart of an old man. His demeanour indeed surpassing his age, he gave himself no disport or pleasure, but living here upon earth he despised the world with all the glory thereof, at such time as he might have most freely enjoyed it. He was born in the province of Nursia of honourable parentage and sent to Rome to study the liberal sciences. But when he saw there many through the uneven paths of vice run headlong
to their own ruin, he drew back his foot, but new-set in the world, lest, in the search of human knowledge, he might also fall into the same dangerous precipice. Contemning therefore learning and studies and abandoning his father’s house and goods, he desired only to please God in a virtuous life. Therefore he departed skilfully ignorant and wisely unlearned.

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.”

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.”