Zeal, by Richard Fitzgerald
The Mepkin Abbey Community is delighted to share with all of you, from time to time, the reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict. These are written by Benedictine Oblate of St. Vincent’s Archabbey in Latrobe PA., retired Dr. Richard Fitzgerald, the former physician of our Mepkin Community. Dr. Fitzgerald is a very dear friend and volunteered his services to us for many years. We offer his writings in the hope that you also will find inspiration in them.
Fr. Joe Tedesco
Superior
The world is a different place when I listen. Only then can I begin to absorb what surrounds me and understand we are not alone. To “listen” is emblematic of paying attention. All five senses can be summoned and attuned to other folk and the world that surround us.
The Rule of St. Benedict begins with the words “Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” Written in the sixth century, his instructions catalogue what is desirable and necessary to live in a community for mutual benefit.
After defining the activities and roles and responsibilities of monastery life, the Rule ends by summarizing that the entire life of a monk is structured to instill some degree of virtue or “good zeal.” Good zeal is a Benedictine hallmark. Just what is “good zeal”?
Let me draw freely from dictionary sources and the Rule of St. Benedict in English edited by Timothy Fry, O.S.B.
Zeal is defined as an ardor, or fervor, an energetic and unflagging pursuit of and devotion to a principle or cause. It gives rise to the word zealot and in the extreme acknowledges over-zealous behavior. Scripture has many verses that use the word or imply the concept of zeal as either a negative force – bitter, ignorant and misdirected (Rom 12:11), or positive and focused toward a different or right end, a good cause (Gal 4:18), or desirous of the proper traditions of a heritage that separates one from vices. (Gal 1:14)
Benedict considers “good zeal” to be a personal character trait manifest by being the first to show respect towards others and doing first for someone else before one’s self- all the while preferring nothing, whatsoever, to Christ. (RSB 72) It is a manifestation of intent, decorum, service, and compassion.
The Rule of Benedict is, in aggregate, a directive to listen to the experienced and learned, to obey authority, to reflect, and to discern, to share, and to give. The daily order prescribed is intended by Benedict as a “little rule for beginners that would not be harsh or burdensome.” It was and remains the goal of the Rule that under the guidance of a wise abbot “the strong have something to yearn for and the weak nothing to run from.” Benedict’s concept of a monastery was as “a school for the lord’s service.” Pope St. Gregory (d. 604) who left us what we know of Benedict’s life said “…the ordinances of that Rule (contain) a complete account of the abbot’s practice; for the holy man cannot have taught otherwise than as he lived.” (The Dialogues)
Contradicting the path of a narcissistic life of distraction and idle chatter without contemplation or purpose, Benedict envisioned a place of intentional quiet and peace.
Good zeal, self-discipline, and charity for all is the legacy of the Rule of Benedict. It begins by listening, especially by listening carefully and intentionally.
Richard Fitzgerald
January, 2025