From the Friars: ‘Ora et Labora’

Yet another film about exorcism has recently been released from Hollywood this summer. Sensational and ’horror-like’ films on the subject seem to abound. From what I understand however, the new movie ‘The Ritual’, about a well documented case taking place in Iowa in 1928, may have some redeeming qualities. If anything, the exorcist, a German Capuchin priest, played by Al Pacino, is portrayed as a humble man of deep prayer who leans on God alone for his strength. I have yet to see it, but its more sober look at how the Church handles such cases may very well be worth viewing, if only to raise our awareness of how the Church engages in its battle against evil.

A saint celebrated this week (July 11th) is a prime example of such a humble man of prayer who engaged whole-heartily in this battle. Born in Nursia, Italy in 480, St. Benedict was a religious reformer who would one day become known as the ‘father of Western monasticism’. His twin sister Scolastica, who followed him into religious life, would also become a saint. Upon studying rhetoric in his youth, he would soon flee Rome for the sake of saving his soul and take up a life of prayer in the mountains of Subiaco.

“Ora et labora”, “pray and work” would become his motto and many young aspiring monks would eagerly seek his council. He would eventually write a rule of life which is still followed by many today and organize large communities of monks under a single abbot which was an innovation at the time. He exhorted his monks to recognize Christ in their abbot and humbly obey him in all things as a true path to holiness, as well as recognize Him in all who visit the monastery, thus raising the bar to how they are to offer hospitality. Reading of scripture (Lectio Divina) and chanting the psalms to the glory of God was their primary ‘work’.

The medal, which would centuries later be forged in his honor, is wrought with symbols and letters of short prayers of exorcism surrounding the cross of Christ. “May the Holy Cross be my light.” is one of the phrases represented, as well as:

“May we, at our death, be fortified by His presence.”,
“Let no dragon be my overlord.”,
“Be gone Satan, do not suggest to me thy vanities.” and
“Evil are the things thou proferest, drink thou thy own poison.”

Let us then turn to St. Benedict who shows us how to lean heavily upon the power of God in our fight against the forces of evil , remembering all the while our final goal: “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subjected to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” LK 10:20.

St. Benedict, Pray for us!
Br. Pio