Peace in Benedictine Spirituality: Peace with God and Peace in Human Relationships

In his Holy Rule St. Benedict mentions “peace” or its equivalent a number of times, and “Benedictine peace” is sometimes seen as a goal for societies and nations. The monk is to “seek after peace and pursue it” (Prologue), and the common sharing of goods is to be arranged so that “all the members will be at peace” (Chapter 34). This retreat will explore passages of the Holy Rule that call upon the Christian to practice the disciplines that lead to the constant practice of God’s presence and an interior peace with God. The retreat will also point out attitudes and behaviors that foster peace in families and communities. Some of the “tools” to be recommended are silence, humility, obedience (and listening), and the avoidance of murmuring.