It’s a Narrow Road

…nothing harsh, nothing burdensome…a little strictness…(Prologue 45-50)



I recall driving mountain roads in Colorado. The roads are narrow filled with curves, with steep grades, with unbelievable drop-offs, and with countless signs warning of curves, of steep grades, of damaged guard rails, of no passing, of falling rock, of speed limits.



These roads remind me of this “school of the Lord’s service,” that Benedict intends to establish. He tells us that traveling the monastic road will be difficult. It will have all the limitations that the mountain roads in Colorado have—curves, drop-offs, warning signs. If we keep our eyes on the road, on the goal: life with Christ, life in the kingdom, life-everlasting, “our hearts will overflow with the delight of love.”



The road may be narrow, but it is not harsh, nor burdensome, but does demand some discipline.



Sr. Veronica, OSB