At the time that Benedict wrote the Rule, monasticism was three hundred years old. He inherited a tradition that required monks to do fantastic feats to achieve holiness: from fasting for two months to sitting on poles or in trees for days or months at a time. This tradition had developed as a substitute for martyrdom after Christianity had become a state religion under Constantine in the fourth century. Rigorous, yes, but practical for ordinary people like us? We would respond with a resounding "No!" and Benedict would agree for he established a different way of achieving holiness and connection to God.

 

Find God by being in relationship with one another, he said. Achieve holiness by being normal. Base your faith on the changelessness of God and of God's love and empowerment. Relate in a healthy way to yourself, keep that relationship in its proper proportion and recognize that your role as a Christian is to love God and to serve others.