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The Rule of St Benedict has been followed by monks and nuns for the last fifteen hundred years. Increasingly the Rule is also being used by laypeople. As a guide for Christian fathers it is indispensable. The Rule is intended for abbots in the monastery, and the word ‘abbot’ is based on the Aramaic abba which Christ himself uses for God the Father. As such the Rule instructs abbots how to run the monastery, and the wisdom of the Rule is easily applied to the abba – or father within the Christian home. Benedict's tender compassion for his charges reflects the love we feel for our children. His shrewd understanding of human nature resonates with our own experience, both as children and fathers. So Benedict offers some wise advice about discipline, but he is also forever warm-hearted and compassionate. Benedict helps weak fathers to be stronger and challenges strict fathers to be more gentle. Benedict never compromises the high ideals, but he also never forces anyone to assume a burden which may be too heavy.

This commentary is specially designed for busy Christian fathers. But while the focus is on the father's role, the emphasis is on the whole family. As Benedict's Rule is a guide both for abbots and for the whole community, so this is a book to be shared: indeed nothing would be better than for husbands and wives to read it together. While it seeks to support fathers, and doesn't mention the mother's role very much, this is not to pretend that her role is negligible – only that this book discusses the work of both parents by focusing on the father. It assumes an underlying unity between husband and wife and that both father and mother are working together as ‘one body’ for the welfare and proper training of the children. In that respect most of what is written here applies to both parents.

Benedict's Rule* is broken down into daily readings which spread the whole Rule over four months. This is the breakdown which is used in most monasteries and convents, so as the reader goes through the Rule three times in one year he reads in solidarity with the monks and nuns. Along with each daily reading is a short meditation which applies the Rule to Christian family life. Part of the Benedictine monk's life consists of lectio divina, or inspirational reading. The Christian father, if he is to take his vocation seriously, needs to have some regular spiritual input as well. A short portion of the Benedictine Rule combined with a practical meditation helps to draw out the spiritual significance of the Rule and apply Benedict's wisdom to the needs of modern family life.

Benedict's Rule is also imbued with Scripture, especially the Psalms. Benedict doesn't use Scripture to provide proof texts for his argument. Instead Benedict worships with Scripture, meditates on Scripture and prays with Scripture. The words of the Scriptures are written on Benedict's heart, and so within the Rule he quotes Scripture in bits and pieces, making passing reference to passages which his hearers would know well. We are not as familiar with Scripture as they were, so Scripture references are provided within the text of the commentary for further reference and meditation. The reader who wishes to push further into Benedict's wisdom will do well to read this commentary with the Scriptures close at hand. It may do to simply pick out one Scripture reference for the day and read it along with its whole context. This will weave Scripture reading into Benedict's Rule in a way which will not only improve the reader's Bible knowledge, but will also help him apply the living Scriptures to his daily life in a dynamic way.

Finally, this book is not meant to be an easy or a quick read. The tradition of lectio divina is that of prayerful, slow and meditative reading. So each day's text from the Rule, the meditation and the Scripture references are meant to key a somewhat longer time of meditation and contemplation. In a busy life it may not be possible to take more than a few lines. There is nothing wrong with that as long as those few thoughts are taken with the reader through the day. Since a slow and meditative reading is recommended it should also follow that one read through is not enough. It should be read through at least three times in one full year. The monks read the Rule over and over again. It wouldn't hurt us to do the same.

This book may also be the start for more laymen and women to follow the Benedictine way in their own homes. To follow the way most fully it is a good idea to establish contact with a monastery or convent close to home. Most religious houses are pleased to welcome men and women for retreats and will guide newcomers to this tradition. In addition there is the opportunity to become an oblate of a Benedictine convent or monastery. An oblate is similar to a third order Franciscan: they maintain a close link with the religious house, supporting the monks or nuns in their vocation and drawing strength from the friendship and support which the monastery has to offer. Thus together the religious celibate and the married layman complement one another's calling as they run together on the ‘path of God's commandments with an inexpressible delight of love’.

The Rule of St Benedict, translated by Abbot Parry OSB (Gracewing, Leominster, 1997).