A Rule for Beginners

Are you hastening toward your heavenly home? Then with Christ's help, keep this little rule that we have written for beginners. RB80.73.8

This verse from the conclusion of the Rule with it's allusion to the letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 4:11; 11:14-16) takes us back to the Prologue where we set out on the journey in the service of Christ. We have come full circle.

After having read, studied and prayed through the text of the Rule, I am reminded that I am still only a beginner on the journey. This is a life-long project--not a once in a lifetime event. There is no real graduation from the school of the Lord's service...there may be progress in the life yet there is no real completion of the course.

This realization can be heartening and disheartening in a sense. Heartening and encouraging, since there is no expectation of perfection along this road. All that is needed is to be willing to grow daily (conversion). There is always the assurance that right effort and intention are what is necessary for this life. It is discouraging in the fact there will always be something that can be improved upon. There is no coasting through life, if I am serious about my progress.

Now we prepare to begin another season of study of the Rule, starting with the Prologue once again...remembering that we are truly beginners on this journey.

Sr. Catherine, OSB