FOREWORD BY ARCHABBOT DOUGLAS R. NOWICKI, O.S.B.

The Rule of St. Benedict, a masterpiece of practical Christian wisdom that has guided the lives of Benedictine monks for nearly 1500 years, has also served to influence the lives of many lay people in the way of Christ for most of its long history. The urgent call to "prefer nothing to Christ" even in the most ordinary elements of daily routine offers a vigorous challenge to monks and Oblates alike to grow continually in the love of Christ in every situation and, perhaps especially, in every encounter with other persons. We Benedictine monks feel great encouragement that so many of our sisters and brothers in Christ have discerned the call to accept this challenge by making promises as Oblates of St. Benedict.

At the same time, we realize that documents as ancient as the Rule, as well as the Gospel teachings on which it is based, require persistent study and reflection if the treasure buried within them is to be retrieved, enjoyed, and lived out. Furthermore, just as we monks more and more perceive the need for ongoing formation in Gospel values and in the wisdom of St. Benedict, so must our fellow pilgrims outside the monastery be continually renewed in those Christian values, which are so often at odds with the self-centered impulses of today's world. We, therefore, are glad to offer you this set of reflections and guidelines based on the Rule of St. Benedict and contemporary interpretations of the Rule to help you to be more deeply formed in the way of Christ as spelled out by St. Benedict.

Know that our prayers are with you as you struggle with us to let Christ penetrate your hearts and minds and to make Christ known to the world around you. Through the intercession of St. Benedict, may God grant all Oblates and others who follow Christ with St. Benedict as their guide the grace to "run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love" (Rule Preface:49).

Sincerely in Christ ,

Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.

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