Those who are “without a shepherd... pen themselves up in their own sheepfolds.”
This week's Trexo Training: Rule of Live with St. Benedict
St. Benedict (Benedict of Nursia (480-547 AD) is considered the ‘Father’ of the Rule of Life.
Rule like ‘ruler’ - not a command, but a straightedge.
It’s a structural framework that provides rhythm, consistency, and direction for our life with God - which is our whole life.
In modern life, our intentions are so easily pulled apart by the constant busyness of everything. We “drift.” The Rule acts like a spiritual exoskeleton, holding us upright when our own willpower feels a little weak or scattered.
St. Benedict wrote the most famous Rule in Christian history:
Ora et Labora: Pray and work.
Benedict’s Rule also established the Daily Office - a cycle of eight prayer services rooted in the Jewish tradition of praying throughout the day (Episcopalians still find this in abbreviated form in the Book of Common Prayer: Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, Compline (bedtime prayers).
Benedict’s Rule balanced spiritual exercises with manual labor and study, emphasizing moderation, stability (commitment to a single community for life), and obedience.
This week at the Trexo gym, we did a livestream training with St. Benedict, and asked him how his Rule applies to the Trexo Practices and Workout.
Read more about the Trexo Workout - and gym members get your own Workout builder. just click the ‘scroll’ below.
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Watch the full Training (and get the notes) below (this is also just for gym members!)
St. Benedict also reminds us that a Rule of Life takes place in community.
We cannot be Christian alone.
Jesus called disciples from the very beginning, and we always learn to be followers of Jesus by being in community with others. For encouragement, support - and correction.
That’s why we’re here at the Trexo gym with training, encouragement, and connection with Christian practices shared by believers across the church - and across the ages.
Hearts up!
p.s. if you have any questions, just reply to this email (or click HERE).
