It is a practice in our Benedictine community to read Chapter 49 from the Rule of Benedict on Ash Wednesday.  “The Observance of Lent’ is an insightful chapter that sets the Season of Lent into perspective.  We read it yesterday as an introduction to Lauds.  The first line of C49 can be rather startling ‘The life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent’! Oh no..is usually my first reaction.  In my experience Lent can be rather a ‘downer’ when we are focusing on our faults, limitations and repenting for those times we are less than.  I am not sure about a life of that!!!  But, I admit, that is a small view of Lent. Continue Reading