St. Romuald's "Little Rule"

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Referred to in Paula Huston's book, taken from The Oblate Rule of the Camaldolese Benedictine Oblates

The "Little Rule"
St. Romuald

Sit in your cell as in paradise;
put the whole world behind you and forget it;
like a skilled angler on the lookout for a catch
keep a careful eye on your thoughts.

The path you follow is in the psalms -- don't leave it.
If you've come with a novice's enthusiasm and can't
accomplish what you want, take every chance you can find
to sing the psalms in your heart and to understand them
with your head; if your mind wanders as you read
don't give up but hurry back and try again.

Above all realize that you are in God's presence;
hold your heart there in wonder as if before your sovereign.

Empty yourself completely;
sit waiting, content with God's gift,
like a little chick tasting and eating nothing
but what its mother brings.

Much of Huston's book is a discussion of how this rule can be applied to those who must endure the rhythms and rigors of everyday life.

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2 Comments

Steven,

I am confused. What is the name of the book? Did she write it? Is it a commentary on the Rule for Oblates? How does the Rule for Camoldolese differ from St. Benedict's Rule?

Dear Katherine,

Paula Huston didn't write it, she merely sites it. Check out the Camaldolese site I link to. I'll leave it to Benedictines to figure out what relationship this bears to the group as a whole. I just thought it was a lovely mediation on simple ways to get in touch with God.

Let me know what you conclude.

shalom,

Steven

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This page contains a single entry by Steven Riddle published on August 9, 2004 8:46 AM.

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