Reflections of a Benedictine University President

As I close a decade as president of Mount Marty University, I am enormously grateful for the blessing of growth in both programs and enrollment at MMU, but I’m also grateful for what this community has done for my relationship with God and all in his kingdom. And my experiences have clarified my understanding of community and its importance to each of us. 

Through the Rule of Benedict and the 1500-year tradition that followed its writing, a robust way of living in community and seeking God together has been devised for everyone in our society to follow. In chapter 4, Benedict begins with the Great Commandment from Matthew 22, which should be the basic guide for Christian living: “love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Esther de Waal says those words present us “with the yardstick to judge every thought, word and action: Is what I’m thinking or doing contributing to the fulfillment of this commandment?” What a great question. After reciting the other commandments and the Beatitudes, Benedict reminds his monastics that their “way of acting should be different from the world’s way.” Though few of us live in monasteries, we should all use our gifts of discernment to determine if the world’s way is best for our families and our communities. “Never give a hollow greeting of peace,” he says, “or turn away when someone needs your love.” 

As we approach the mid-21st century with all the ills of war, social media, hyperindividualism, and “othering” of people we disagree with, Benedict offers us a solution focused on the people and communities around us. Each one of us can work to make our homes, workplaces, towns, and cities inviting places that reflect God’s love in our society. As Adalbert de Vogue advised, 

“it is not a matter of making the house of God worldly, but of leading into it someone who comes from the world while delivering him from his worldly burden.” That can be done in our schools, conference rooms, and living rooms. It can be as overt as Bible study in church or as passive as not judging that eccentric character in line in the grocery store. 

When MMU welcomes first-year students at its annual Blessing Ceremony in the fall, I have always been intentional about informing new students of the supportive and hospitable environment upon which our university community prides itself. But I also tell them that that support comes with a price: they have to integrate themselves into that environment, be hospitable to others, and recognize they have an obligation to make the university stronger during their years here. Most do, and we pray they take that experience forward into their lives. 

Benedict provides a little nugget later in Chapter 4 that all faithful individuals should take to heart: “Do not aspire to be called holy before you really are, but first be holy that you may more truly be called so.” What a great motto for each of us to wake up to each morning. Have some quiet time with God, pray, and then go out and make the kingdom stronger by positively impacting those around you. Peace.