Homily for the Vigil of Saint Benedict
One of the fundamental considerations
for allowing a person to enter the monastic community
is the answer to the following question:
Is the person a learner?
We recognize that there are many different ways to learn,
that each one of us comes to the act of learning with a different set of skills.
Nevertheless, there is a crucial attitude that is a precondition for learning.
As this reading from Sirach says,
"My son, if you wish, you can be taught.
If you're willing to listen, you will learn.
If you heed, you will be wise."
Without this fundamental skill set, without this to desire to learn,
monastic life will not work.
To be a learner is a humble stance.
To know this about myself
is to admit upfront that I don't have all the answers.
To turn to others is not really about power and control,
it is more about companionship on the journey.
To be a learner sometimes means suffering,
when we come to understand how our actions have hurt others
and how we have to change our lives in order to love.
To be a learner is a joyful stance.
When I learn something, have an insight and am able to apply it,
wow, it is exhilarating.
Learning is a natural high — it doesn't take any drugs.
I want to say at the outset
that we also recognize how very hard
certain kinds of learning are for each one of us.
Because of our uniqueness as persons
and the patterns that are part of our lives,
certain learnings will require a huge conversion over a long period of time.
This reading from Sirach also tells us something fundamental
about the very process of learning.
It tells us of the importance of learning from each other,
of seeking a counsel and advice from each other.
As Sirach notes,
be eager to be part of holy conversation;
let no wise saying escape you.
If you see a man of prudence seek him out.
Let your feet wear out his doorstep.
This reading suggests how crucial every single member of our community is
in our search for God.
This is certainly Benedict's imagination,
that we are supported and encouraged in our search for God
by the grace, wisdom and example of each member of the community.
It would be a shame if we in our day to day lives
did not take advantage of this great gift of each other.
To close, I quote those beautiful and comforting words of Jesus:
Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
For my yoke is easy and my burden light.
The Risen Christ is ultimately our Teacher par excellence.
Again and again we drink of the refreshment and nourishment
of this divine teacher who is the way.
Abbot John Klassen, OSB
July 10, 2005
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