Simplicity, Moderation, Order, Balance
and Wholeness, Rule Order of St. Benedict

by Joan Betty Vaughan, OSB, Oblate
Fifteen hundred years ago, when St. Benedict founded his “school for the Lord’s service,” he probably did not expect to have “students” in East Tennessee. But for more than five years, the Benedictine Study Group members have been using his Rule to enhance their lives in the secular world. With its emphasis on simplicity, moderation, order, balance and wholeness, the Rule offers a time-tested blueprint for living a gospel-centered life. It guided monks through the chaos of sixth century Italy and it provides a spiritual framework for organizing hectic lives in 21st century America.

Study Group participants are neither monastic wanna-bes nor scholars. They are busy lay people who find that Benedictine values and practices enrich their lives. The Rule was designed to be lived, not talked about, so finding personal relevance is easy. Living it is the challenge! For example, Benedict’s call for order begins with making the bed. Respect for God’s material creation includes putting away the tools.

Corporate worship is essential to Benedictine spirituality, so each gathering begins with devotions. A brief fellowship period follows, and then a portion of the Rule is read for discussion. The group shares reflections and experiences. For example, the chapter on kitchen servers prompted Eucharistic lay ministers to tell how meaningful offering the chalice is to them. This gave the others a deeper appreciation of the sacrament.

In the ancient tradition of Benedictine hospitality, visitors are always welcome. No preparation is necessary. Part of the mission of the group is to introduce people to the Rule and how the Rule can help balance responsibilities to God, self, family, career and community. That has never been easy, but because the Rule is thoroughly grounded in the needs of daily life, it is a good map for a realistic journey with Christ.

The Benedictine Study Group meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas’ Church, 5401 Tiffany Road, Knoxville. For more information, call Joan Betty Vaughan at 865-933-4938.