"Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading." - Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 48

    It has been a long time since I've written here. There is a good reason, and a bad reason for that.  Both reasons involve the Benedictine watchwords, "Ora et labora," prayer and work.

    In early March, I began a full time interim of two  yoked congregations. Things have been really busy. That wasn't really a surprise as I knew that being part time pastor for two churches would turn out to be at least one and a half of the work of a full time pastor. What was the surprise was the way it changed my prayer life. Being this busy has made me more intentional about the hours of prayer. And the combination of work and prayer have begun to merge.  I think I am beginning to understand, and taking a small step toward the rhythm Benedict intended.

    But Benedict also preached moderation in all things. And when I saw how long it had been since I posted on this blog, I knew my balance was still a bit off. So Father Benedict, I confess I have let one part of work push out others. I intend to mend that in the future.