In reading the Rule of Benedict when I
encounter the word “monk”I like to mentally substitute
a person’s name or a group of people that is closer to
home for me. I use my own name, or “family,”or “parishioners”or “friends”or
even “co-workers.”Somehow this personalizing makes
it easier to bring Benedict’s wisdom into my own life.
Here’s an example. In chapter 72 of his Rule, Benedict
sums up how his monks, aka family, friends, church, etc., are
to treat one another. The hallmark is to have “fervent
love”for one another (RB 72.3). “Try to be the
first to show respect to the other,”Benedict admonishes
(RB 72. 4 & Romans 12:10). Be patient with another’s
weaknesses and pursue what seems best for the other person
and not what’s best for you (RB 72.5,7). Fear (have awe
of) God (RB 72.9) and so forth. He closes the chapter with
these words that bring it all together and make all that he
suggests possible: “Let them prefer nothing whatever
to Christ”(72.11,12).
Benedict’s instructions to prefer
nothing whatever to Christ comes from the writings of Cyprian,
third century bishop in North Africa, who followed the statement
with these words: “for he has preferred nothing to us.”1 What
a stunning truth—that Jesus has preferred nothing, that’s
nothing, to each of us, unworthy though we are. Jesus revealed
this in his Farewell Discourse when he said, “You did
not choose me, but I chose you”(John 15:16a). Perhaps
preferring Christ above all else is the only way that you and
I can begin to fulfill the Gospel directive to love one another.
In the Gospel of John Jesus tells us that those who love him
will keep his word, and he and his Father will come and make
a home with each of us (John 14:23). When we are a part of
such a household we can turn outward and walk on the path of
healing and reconciliation as did Jesus.
We can say that we prefer Christ but what
does this actually look like in daily life? How does it impact
who we are and what we do?
What we prefer influences what we choose
in a big way. If I prefer chocolate, which I do, I certainly
would not choose fruit for dessert! If you prefer being with
your family on weekends you will most definitely choose to
make the time to do this. So, when we prefer Christ, first
I believe that we adopt a willingness to consider his point
of view in molding who we are and in choosing how we conduct
ourselves within our relationships. We also consider his teaching,
his actions, his love for us in how we choose to spend our
time. Second, we try to follow his example in all we do, especially
when we are faced with difficult situations or when compassion
is needed. When we prefer nothing whatever to Christ we choose
him as our touchstone and guide. Third, we take the time each
day to nurture our relationship with Jesus Christ for preferring
Christ above all has a deep spiritual component that calls
for constant communication.
When we prefer Christ we do anti-world
things like loving one another for Christ’s sake. We “cut
some slack”with one another, being patient and forgiving,
recognizing that we also have growing edges. We ease up on
being judgmental, we accept our sisters and brothers in the
faith and beyond our faith, acknowledging our oneness in creation.
We try to choose his way and not the way that may burn within
us. As Joan Chittister says, “Benedictine spirituality
is about caring for the people you live with and loving the
people you don’t and loving God more than yourself.”2
When we prefer Christ, bottom line we
choose him over another—his way over other ways, his
self-giving love over a love meted out on merit or convenience,
his expansive and compassionate priorities over our often limited
ones. These choices, over time, mold us more and more into
his likeness. Perhaps preferring nothing but Christ is just
being Christ in our daily lives. We strive to do this as best
as we can each day, responding as much like him as we can to
the in all the many places and situations before us. A worthy
goal for us all. Let us prefer nothing whatever to Christ.
Jane
 For
some reflection questions, click
here.
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