The Brief Rule of St. Romuald
"And he [Br. Paul] received this brief rule from Master Romuald, which he was very careful to practice throughout his life:
This short rule of St. Romuald can easily be translated for those living in the world. Here is my version for us "secular" folks:
"And he [Br. Paul] received this brief rule from Master Romuald, which he was very careful to practice throughout his life:
- Sit in your cell as in paradise;
- cast all memory of the world behind you;
- cautiously watch your thoughts, as a good fisherman the fish.
- The way is via the psalms – do not leave it. If, in your beginner’s fervor, you fail to do the whole psalter, do a little here and a little there, studying each with your whole mind and spirit, and when your mind wanders during the reading - don’t quit, hurry to refocus;
- Place yourself in the presence of God with fear and trembling, as if standing before the emperor;
- destroy yourself completely;
- sit like a baby chick, content with the grace of God, who, unless its mother gives it something , knows nothing and has nothing to eat."
This short rule of St. Romuald can easily be translated for those living in the world. Here is my version for us "secular" folks:
- Make your prayer time each day your time of paradise.
- Do not dwell on your memories of your daily struggles in the world, but cast them all before the Cross.
- Cautiously watch your thoughts...darn good advice!
- Pray each day, and try to pray throughout your day. If you find yourself slipping, hurry back to prayer....don't procrastinate (for you may not have tomorrow!)
- Place yourself in the presence of God (throughout the day) with fear and tremblying, as if God were passing by you during your work day.
- Destroy yourself completely...mortify your senses and desires, offer some sacrifice and penance each day for your sins.
- Reread #7 a few times until your get it...it is priceless.
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