Today is the feast day of Saint Benedict, abbot, Patron of religious orders. He’s the saint you think of when you think of monasteries and he wrote the book on monastic life. The readings today are fitting for the subject. 

The first reading tells of God’s pain when his people turn away from him. The Lord loves his people, teaches them his ways, comforts and heals them, but they turn away, not realizing that The Lord is their healer and salvation.

The Gospel gives the first rules for the holy life. The disciples are told to go out and share the word. They are to tell the people that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. It’s now. There is important information to impart. The disciples are the first to share the good news, to minister to the people. They are told to heal the sick and to cast out demons. They are told to do it because it is the right and appropriate thing to do, not to get rich, but to help people.

The disciples are told to help others and to tell their story. They should stay with a good person in a town and spread the good news. If their hosts are receptive, they will be blessed. If not, they will not receive the blessings. 

This is the basis of the church, the basis that Benedict built on. These are the beginnings that we should all remember even today. We should follow this example and help others because it is the right and appropriate thing to do, not to get rich, but to help others and be in community so the peace of the Lord can come upon us.