The Cross, the Book and the Plough
- Chris Walker
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
St. Benedict of Nursia (ca. 480-ca 547), is considered the father of “western monasticism” and the author of the “The Rule,” a simple set of guidelines ordering how monks should live. He is considered by the Benedictines as their founder and guide under the motto “Ora Et Labora” (“pray and work”).
In 1964 Pope Paul VI, in his Apostolic Letter “Pacis Nuntius” (Messenger of Peace), said it was a fitting time to reflect upon Europe’s common cultural heritage with respect to St. Benedict, the “heavenly patron saint of the whole of Europe,” who “inspired in the peoples of Europe that loving care of order and justice that forms the foundation of true society.”
“Benedict changed the world through the cross, the book and the plough”. He
explains further:
"For by cross, by book, by plough, he brought Christian civil culture, especially by himself and by his sons, to the peoples who inhabit the Mediterranean Sea to Scandinavia, from Ireland to the open lands of Poland. By the cross, that is, by the law of Jesus Christ, he strengthened and increased the institutions of private and public life. It is also helpful to remember that "by the work of God", or by a certain and constant method of prayer, he taught that divine worship is of the utmost importance in human society.” Pope Paul VI asserts that St Benedict cemented that spiritual unity of Europe, by which indeed nations, diverse in language, race, and talent, felt themselves to be one people of God.
"By the book, or the cult of genius, the same venerable patriarch, from whom so many monasteries derived their name and vigor, preserved with diligent care the ancient monuments of literature, when liberal disciplines and arts were being overshadowed by darkness, and transmitted them to posterity, and diligently cultivated doctrines. Finally, with the plough, or by the rustic means, and with other aids, he transformed vast and rugged places into fertile fields of crops and lovely gardens; and by joining the crafts to prayers, according to those words "pray and labour", he added excellence to human work".
I similarly feel it is a fitting time now to review the significance of The Rule and St Benedict in our world today. Although there is much to be thankful for, over the last 10 years there does seem to be a gradual decline geographically, politically, economically, socially, morally and spiritually. Despite the Iron Curtain coming down and the breakup of the USSR so dramatically, populism and nationalism are taking hold in the western democracies. Despite the enlarged European Union, Brexit has caused a threat to the strength of Europe. Economic challenges are causing our democracies to appear weak, the family unit is now more complex, and the churches have shown their vulnerabilities. There is war again in Europe and loss of respect for human life, through changes in our laws.
Looking to the future, one role for Lay Benedictines in a less Christian world, would be to live in community under The Rule of St Benedict. This might be either together or closely located, supporting parishes and churches through regular prayer, offices and pastoral and evangelical outreach with the charisms - much needed in the world of “Obedience, conversion of life and stability.”
“The cross, the book and the plough” might become the framework of hubs of prayer and sacrificial service, study and the thirst for knowledge, care for creation and oases of sustainability.
Chris Walker
2025
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