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The Rule of Benedict: Course Correction

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Tuesday. 7:10 AM EDT. It's been ten days since my last post on the Rule of Benedict. Something else has taken priority. This could be sinful disorganization on my part, or it could be gradual clarification of a higher rule. On one hand, I feel reasonably confident that my course correction is in harmony with God's 2026 will and the late spring song of Mother Nature. On the other hand, I feel torn between a multitude of different calendar systems, months, and liturgical seasons. At a minimum, I now see that my 6 April 2026 plan to study the Rule of Benedict every day from 2 May to 31 August 2026 is in conflict with the Albany growing season and the attention that I need to give to the local ecosystem and to helping my mom in the garden during this period. But that is not all there is to it. I need to revisit my entire calendar rule.  This will likely be my last post on The Rule of Benedict until I am through the growing season. It will also be my last post in Eastertide 2026 ....
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The Rule of Benedict: The Abbot (15/122)

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10:22 PM Satur day. Another late start. I have been doing considerable work on the hermitage over the last few days. Garage sale decluttering with my mom on the one hand and upgrading a few key items (like my air conditioner) on the other. Forgive my missteps and keep me on track, Abba. In the name of Jesus, Amen.   Today's reading is Chapter 2: The Qualities of the Abbot (7) – The Rule of Benedict , together with the equivalent sections in RB 1980 and Commentary for Benedictine Oblates , including "The Abbot as Administrator" and "The Choice and Installation of the Abbot" in Appendix 2 ("The Abbot") of RB 1980 .   Cf.  Judgment for Pastors: How Shepherds Prepare to Meet Jesus | Desiring God . End 11:31 PM.
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The Rule of Benedict: The Abbot (14/122)

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10:47 PM Fri day. Today's reading is Chapter 2: The Qualities of the Abbot (6) – The Rule of Benedict , together with the equivalent sections in RB 1980 and Commentary for Benedictine Oblates , including "The Fatherhood of Christ" and "How the Abbot Exercises His Office" in Appendix 2 ("The Abbot") of RB 1980 . The image at top is Br. Robert James Magliula, OHC. He is the Superior (Abbot) of the Holy Cross Monastery . This Anglican Benedictine community of men in West Park, New York, is 66 miles south of me here in Albany.  End 11:34 PM.
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The Rule of Benedict: The Abbot (13/122)

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4:13 PM Thursday. Today's reading is Chapter 2: The Qualities of the Abbot (5) – The Rule of Benedict , together with the equivalent sections in RB 1980 and Commentary for Benedictine Oblates , including "Benedict's Understanding of the Abbot" in Appendix 2 ("The Abbot") of  RB 1980 . On page 521 of RB 1980 in Appendix 2 we read: "Father, teacher, shepherd, doctor, steward - these are the titles and functions attributed to abbot analogically in order to elucidate his role. The RM [Rule of the Master] contains one other that St. Benedict omitted: that of mother." It is also important to note this excerpt from page 523: "This passage, in fact, shows that the image of the paterfamilias is not really appropriate for the abbot, for the latter is never envisaged as the owner whose authority is absolute and all-embracing. His role is more humble: he is only a vices gerens , one who takes the place of, and tries to discern and execute the will of, t...
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The Rule of Benedict: The Abbot (12/122)

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4:38 PM  Wednesday. Today's reading is  Chapter 2: The Qualities of the Abbot (4) – The Rule of Benedict , together with the equivalent sections in  RB 1980  and  Commentary for Benedictine Oblates , including "The Abba in Egyptian Cenobitism" and "The Superior in Other Cenobitic Traditions" of Appendix 2 ("The Abbot") in  RB 1980 . The video today is  The St. Benedict Medal Explained (feat. Fr. Boniface Hicks) . Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., is a Benedictine monk (Order of Saint Benedict) and a Roman Catholic priest. He is stationed at Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. End 5:30 PM.
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