Awe as a Way of Life: Discovering the Divine through Benedictine Eyes

A lone monk gazes into the velvety dark of a moonless night, countless stars shimmering above. No telescope is needed for this Benedictine quest for God. It's in the simple act of wonder, an awe-filled pause, that hints of the Divine are often sensed. St. Benedict urges awareness of the divine in the everyday, reminding us that each ordinary moment can become sacred.

He reminds us that as we chant the psalms, we actively join the heavenly choir (RB 19). Yet, God's loving gaze never leaves us (RB 4), meaning reverence extends far beyond the chapel. Washing dishes, answering emails, weeding a flowerbed - each holds potential to be more than routine. This attentiveness transforms chores into an active participation in God's ongoing, creative work. We find purpose beyond the immediate "result".

God isn't distant, but an ever-present partner in the dance of the ordinary.

The Rule warns against grumbling (RB 4), but joy isn't forced cheer. It's a deep recognition of the Divine woven into even seemingly mundane moments. It's laughter with colleagues, satisfaction in a task well-done, the fleeting warmth of sun after a rainstorm.

For Benedictines, God is present in every aspect of life-- even mundane tasks like peeling potatoes. Depicted: the Benedictine nuns of St. Vincent College

This earthly focus doesn't negate moments of transcendence. Benedictines aren't blind to the dazzling glory found in liturgy or nature's wonders. But underlying it all is an expanded definition of the sacred. God isn't distant, but an ever-present partner in the dance of the ordinary. This awareness opens our hearts, revealing holiness in tasks once deemed unimportant. It changes us, allowing even the busiest life to hum with grace.

Finding God in the fertile valleys of daily experience means a continual "yes" to His quiet whispers in each sunrise, every conversation, every routine action. This quiet attentiveness isn't passive. It's a transformative way of being, where work, rest, and all of life becomes a whispered, ongoing prayer. That's the core of Benedictine life.

Finding God in the fertile valleys of daily experience means a continual "yes" to His quiet whispers in each sunrise, every conversation, every routine action.

Here are a few practical tips for cultivating Benedictine awe, each tied to insights from the Rule of St. Benedict:

Tip 1: Embrace Silence and Stillness

Benedictine Wisdom: "Monks ought to be zealous for silence at all times, but especially during the hours of the night." (RB 42)
Practical Application: Set aside short periods for intentional silence. Turn off electronic distractions, sit comfortably, and simply observe your breath. Open yourself to the stillness and allow a sense of wonder to blossom.

Tip 2: See the Sacred in the Ordinary

Benedictine Wisdom: "Let him regard all the utensils of the monastery and its whole property as if they were the sacred vessels of the altar." (RB 31)
Practical Application: Approach daily tasks with mindfulness. Pay attention to simple details—the texture of laundry you're folding, the smell of your morning coffee. Treat objects with care, remembering they're connected to a larger web of creation.

Tip 3: Acknowledge Your Part in the Cosmic Psalmody

Benedictine Wisdom: "Let us therefore consider how we ought to conduct ourselves in the sight of the Godhead and of His Angels, and let us take part in the psalmody in such a way that our mind may be in harmony with our voice." (RB 19)
Practical Application: As you walk, work, or interact with others, try to be fully present. View your actions as participating in God's continuous creative work, adding your unique touch to the unfolding hymn of the universe.

Tip 4: Practice Attentive Gratitude

Benedictine Wisdom: "…in all things let God be glorified" (RB 57)
Practical Application: Keep a simple gratitude journal to note small blessings – a friendly smile, a bird's song, a moment of peace. Regularly revisit this journal to reawaken a sense of awe for the gifts woven into your day.

Supersubstatial Awe: the Spiritual Realities of the Eucharist

One of the greatest gifts of being a Benedictine monk is the privilege of communing with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament each day. This sacred encounter forms the heart of our lives, shaping all our other activities. Watch the video clip below and be filled with awe as you witness the spiritual realities that unfold each time the Mass is celebrated.