Benedictine Spirituality Talk Offers Unique Perspectives on Preaching and Hospitality

The pews of the Immaculate Conception Seminary chapel were lined with people eager and interested to hear words of reflection about Benedictine preaching and hospitality. Delivered by the Right Reverend Augustine Curley, OBS, and Sister Marlene Milasus, OBS, these reflections served as part of the new Preaching as Hospitality program and series at the Seminary led by Father Dominic Ciriaco. 

This event focused on the preaching and hospitable traits of St. Benedict, and how both religious and lay people can incorporate these teachings in their daily lives. Sister Marlene offered perspectives on three different levels of hospitality: to God, to others, and to ourselves. To be hospitable to God, one must welcome Him with open arms. Sister Marlene referenced Psalm 95 as an example: “if today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” We must be willing to welcome and accept God’s presence and teachings, even when we might not expect it. To be hospitable to others means to welcome them in without question and to listen to people without judgement. Sister told a story of a woman who came to her monastery as an example; the woman was a divinity student who needed to spend some time in a monastic setting, so the monastery welcomed her and let her experience their daily workings, and eventually the student expressed interest in joining a lay association of Benedictine Oblates. 

To be hospitable to ourselves can be seen as the most challenging. This step requires, as Sister puts it, “being at home with who you are.” It involves looking inward and doing some self-evaluation: acknowledging one’s flaws, seeking out ways for improvement, and treating yourself better overall. Even if we think we are in a good place in life, even if we think we have all the answers, there is always an opportunity for correction and change. 

While Sister Marlene covered the hospitality aspects of the talk, Abbot Augustine discussed the preaching side of Benedictine teachings. He offered a perspective of praying in preparation for preaching while also keeping in mind the Lectio Divina; we must try to have a relationship with the Scriptures and put an emphasis on reflecting and pondering them to have a lived and shared experience with them. Abbot used an example of sharing food and drink with guests as a comparison of sharing the Scriptures and one’s thoughts and perspectives on them. 

Abbot then offered several simple, yet important methods of preaching that could essentially “make or break” your preaching message. The first was to be individual; remember that you have your own personality and incorporate it into your message. The next was to recognize who is in front of you; it is important to shape your preaching style around your audience while still effectively communicating your message “same message, different presentation,” as he said. Next, tying in the hospitality aspect, was to welcome those who are listening to you; engage with them, study their expressions and responses, listen to their feedback/reflections, speak from your heart, and be honest. Last, the preacher must talk and listen to themselves; will they follow their own teachings? The preacher must remain and live in the Scripture in order to completely understand it. 

Adopting the Benedictine way of hospitality sounds easy on paper, but like any skill or talent, it takes practice and patience. It goes beyond doing something as simple as hosting a dinner party for your friends, it means going the extra mile. It involves a certain level of honesty and unconditional compassion for those around you, taking people in without question, listening to their stories, and finding the right words to leave a lasting impression on them. Like Abbot Augustine’s example of sharing food and drink, we must be willing to share our lives and experiences with others so that they may learn from ours and the Benedictine practices. 

Categories: Faith and Service