Preferring Christ- Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict

The Rule of St. Benedict has deeply influenced Christianity and Western Civilization for fifteen hundred years.  But with such an ancient text how can we authentically engage St. Benedict's Rule in a manner that is true to its profound insights - and to our own spiritual journey?  Vorvene Vest suggests that the answer lies in the way we read the Rule.  "It shouldn't be studied like a book of regulations, or a school textbook.  It should be read slowly and reflectively - lectio divina." Preferring Christ presents the monastic way in its intimacy, urbane compassion , and simplicity, for all who journey to God.

From the introduction:

This book roughly follows the basic structure of lectio, with short chapters that encourage slowing down and engaging prayerfully with the text of the Rule as a spiritual guide.  Each day's entry has four components:

1. Text of the Rule itself.  A few verses are cited at the top of each section, moving sequentially through the seventy-three chapter of the Rule.
2. Comment.  This component contains a few paragraphs of commentary on the verses for the day, emphasizing what Benedict means by the passage.
3. Reflection.  Here I make a shift from the objective to a more personal framework, asking of my own heart what this text means for me.
4. Prayer/Response. This section is merely suggested by its title and left bland, as a more direct invitation for you to do your own reflection.