Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Benedict. Co-patron of Europe, patron of students, and “father of monasticism,” Holy Father Benedict bears a great load of prayer for the work of many of us who seek every day to live the Christ life.
Saint John’s Abbey, among many other Benedictine houses, celebrates their patron this day.
Today’s psalm for today employs the image of a vine, turning its leaves and tendrils to the Lord who might shine upon it and fill it with life and sustenance for growth—and the bearing of much fruit. This vine, planted by God and grafted to Christ, desires to fill the earth with sustenance—food which will foster men and women to live in the fullness of the Spirit, and the fullness of life.
May the work and prayer of our Benedictine men, women, and oblates throughout the world prosper this day and always—growing in strength and wisdom in their love for Christ and in their proclamation of the Gospel.