The Road to Eternal Life : Reflections on the Prologue of Benedict's Rule

In the Prologue of his Rule, St. Benedict maps out the road that leads to heaven; he lays the foundation for life in a community that seeks God. The themes that are present throughout the Rule—obedience, humility, prayer, fear of the Lord, eternal life—are grounded in the Prologue. By reflecting on the Prologue one verse at a time, Michael Casey, OCSO, delves into the richness of meaning that can be found in Benedict's words. These reflections, first given as talks and made available on his community's web site, build a bridge between the sixth-century text and twenty-first-century Christians. In __The Road to Eternal Life,__ Casey invites readers to reflect on the Prologue in light of their own experiences, to seek "the road that leads to salvation." Instructions of a master Overcoming slackness Negating self-will Grace precedes goodness Presence of Christ Christlike living Following Christ to glory Rise up from sleep Divinizing light Hardness of heart Sacred reading Fear of the Lord Light of life God's worker Desiring eternal life Stability Peace Purity of heart Deligfht in the Lord The road of life The Gospel as guide Running by good deeds Finding rest Encounter with God Undivided heart Inner harmony Kindness Contrary imaginations Self-approval Giving glory to God Gratitude Boasting in the Lord Firm foundations Temptations Every day Opportunities for conversion Patience of God Creative dissatisfaction Whole-heartedness Bodily observances "Because I am weak I pray" Choosing life or death Leisure In the context of eternity A school of the Lord's service Moderation Regularity "Narrow is the way" Love's sweetness Paschal paradox. In the Prologue of his Rule, St. Benedict maps out the road that leads to heaven; he lays the foundation for life in a community that seeks God. The themes that are present throughout the Rule - obedience, humility, prayer, fear of the Lord, eternal life - are grounded in the Prologue. By reflecting on the Prologue one verse at a time, Michael Casey, OCSO, delves into the richness of meaning that can be found in Benedict's words. These reflections, first given as talks and made available on his community's web site, build a bridge between the sixth-century text and twenty-first-century Christians. In The Road to Eternal Life , Casey invites readers to reflect on the Prologue in light of their own experiences, to seek the road that leads to salvation.