talks

Benedictine Spirituality
By Margaret Hannan SGS

Margaret Hannan SGS recently gave a talk on Benedictine Spirituality to Good Samaritan Oblates. In her introduction she poses two questions: What is Benedictine Spirituality? Is there really such a thing as a spiritual life style and philosophy based upon the teaching of St Benedict? In this talk Margaret sheds some practical light on the Rule for us today.

The Rule of Benedict is unique because of its interpretation of the Gospel way of life. Benedict uses Scripture extensively. His spirituality is based on Matt 6:37: ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well.’ Another source for Benedict’s life and teaching is the Book of Psalms.

For Benedict, Conversion of Life involves the work of living in relationship with others; of balancing prayer, work and study; and the work of hospitality and service. Benedict requires one Promise: to commit one’s entire life that God has given, (stability); to change and grow in this life, (conversion); according to the freeing demands and limits this life brings, (obedience). Margaret expands on these areas offering insights into many of the paradoxes the Rule proposes. How can we live an attitude of zealous moderation when living a balance of prayer, work and study? How can work be seen as both important and unimportant?

The challenge of hospitality, ‘the recognition of God in the other’, in a society that today seeks self- indulgence is treated by Margaret in the Scriptural context as lived by Jesus and illustrated in Matt 25.

Explore further the questions and paradoxes the Rule of Benedict poses by reading the full text of Sister Margaret’s talk. Click Here

Life Together
by Margaret Malone sgs
International Benedictine scholar, Margaret Malone sgs gave this keynote talk at the Lenten Benedictine Conversations at Rosebank College, Sydney in February 2008, and also to the Australian Benedictine Union which met in Melbourne in late June.

This title is taken from the title of a book by the German Lutheran theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was killed in a concentration camp right at the end of World War 2. He saw the value of life together, and so too does Benedict. I chose this topic because I believe the wisdom of Benedict in this regard has an important message for every aspect of our lives today – family life, work life, politics, religious life, the church, the parish and everywhere where relationships are important.  And surely that is everywhere.  
Click Here