Sacred Vessels

In chapter 31 of his rule, St. Benedict tells his monks to [regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar].

As members of a beloved community, how do we seek out the sacred in each of us, as constituents of the Body of Christ? Sometimes it can be very hard to recognize the divinity of Christ in someone, especially if the relationship is a little rocky or they’ve upset us in some way. Benedict tells us that we can work toward this challenge by simply exercising patience. Patience is a sincere act of profound love.

We also ought to think about this in the context of the climate crisis. Recognizing our responsibility to acknowledge the sanctity of the land and soil which is not our own, but our Creator’s. How do we show love for God by taking care of our planet, the animals, and the humans that live here?

Where else do you see sacred vessels?

~ br c