Benedictine Spirituality

Anglicanism is shaped by its Benedictine past. Long before the Reformation, the church in England had its own shape and form. The first Christians may have arrived in the first century (legends say Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail there), but certainly in the second century some missionaries began their work. in 597 St. Augustine, a Benedictine monk, was sent by Pope Gregory I to evangelize the Britains. The historical details are fascinating, particularly the role played by Celtic Christians. During the Middle Ages, the Benedictine monasteries played a key role in church life throughout the Isles.

St Benedict (480-543) lived in Italy and his primary biographer was Pope Gregory (540-604). Why should Christians in the 21st Century look back 1500 years for their inspiration? The Order of St. Benedict arose at a time when the Roman Empire was dissolving, and Europe was in deep decline (often called "the Dark Ages"). In times of chaos, the Benedictine approach provides a tried and tested model for continuation. Throughout the world Anglican and Roman Catholic Benedictines have provided untold riches to the wider church.

Benedictine prayer practices shape our own Book of Common Prayer with its fourfold Office (Morning, Midday, Evening, Compline) which rely heavily on psalms and biblical readings as well as Eucharist. The spirituality includes both written texts and traditions. This is evident in the centrality of Sacred Scripture and he Anglican admission that much of our shared practices is based on unwritten traditions. There is a way to "do things" and it is not always spelled out. We balance stability and change. Community is vital and ordered predictability is the context for conversion and transformation. Chasing after the next "new thing" or church shopping is not helpful for lasting, deep change. And change we must, as we pursue deeper conversion to Christ. The focus on prayer is vital, as it is a focus on God. Our prayer is steeped in and shaped by God's revelation in the Bible. Work is a reminder that we were created for work--watching and tending the Garden. The work of a Christian includes studying and learning. The work centers on the needs of the parish and the various roles in which we serve. The work reaches out through evangelism and providing for the needs of others, especially those who are most vulnerable. Loving the stranger is at the core of hospitality. Those who join us for study or worship and those who come in want are both to be embraced as Christ. All of this is lived in a spirit of obedience. Submission to godly authority is a radical act of selflessness and faith. It is the spiritual fertile ground in which we grow.

Here are some online resources: