St. Benedict's Rule

Sutera's inclusive language edition will likely be the new standard edition for readers of the Rule in the English language. Rev. Dr. Greg Peters, Servants of Christ Research Professor of Monastic Studies and Ascetical Theology, Nashotah House Theological Seminary Judith Sutera has produced a translation of the Rule that seeks to maintain its meaning and challenge but has replaced gendered vocabulary with more neutral terms. She has produced a flowing translation that will serve the purpose of community reading well. Michael Casey, OCSO Whether the reader is meeting the Rule of Benedict for the first time, or has lived by its wisdom for decades, Sister Judith's work offers an abundance of tools to listen for God's voice everywhere. The gender-neutral language is fluid, elegant, and timely. This is a treasure I look forward to returning to for years of prayerful rumination. Kate Ritger, author of Benedictine Living: Reflections for Prayer and Meditation With joy we dive into this book and finish it being convinced about the value not only of the book but of the life it shows. Sr. Aquinata Boeckmann, OSB As Sr. Judith notes in her introduction, this is not a paraphrase nor a popularization of the Rule, but rather a faithful translation from the Latin reflecting terminology familiar to contemporary readers and welcoming all people to personally identify with its wisdom. I much appreciate Sr. Judith's lovely phrasing of Benedict's 'customary desire for balance and compassion,' and her understanding that the key to Benedict's approach is that 'no one is ever to despair of God's mercy.' (p. 151-2) Emphasis on these two aspects of the Rule clearly emerge from a life lived in familiarity with every verse of the Rule of Benedict, in fidelity to its guidance, and in communion with sisters similarly committed. Norvene Vest, oblate of Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, author of What is Your Practice? Lifelong Growth in the Spirit Sr. Judith Sutera has done a masterful job of making a spiritual classic accessible to everyone who sincerely seeks God. She teaches us to listen with the ears of our heart and to open our eyes to the light that comes from God. Fr. Brendan Freeman, Mellifont Abbey, Ireland Judith Sutera's translation of the Rule reads like most modern English texts, it's inclusivity feels natural. I imagine if Benedict had written his Rule today it would have sounded a lot like this. Jason Paul Engel, OblSB Having read many translations and interpretations of Benedict's Rule, I could hardly put this one down. Its language is fresh without being obtrusive, and Sr. Judith's commentary highlights both Benedict's practicality and deep prayerfulness. She writes 'from the inside' and illuminates for both monastics and others the ethos of one of Christianity's most influential documents. Bonnie B. Thurston, author of Shaped by the End You Live For: Thomas Merton's Monastic Spirituality