Navigating Life with St. Benedict: 10 Wisdom Nuggets for the Modern Soul
School life in general, can feel like a whirlwind. Between juggling classes, maintaining a social
life, pulling all-nighters, and dealing with the pressure to plan your entire future, things get
a tad overwhelming. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some age-old wisdom to ground us? Enter
St. Benedict of Nursia.
St. Benedict, a wise old monk from the 6th century, might not have had to deal with Wi-Fi outages or
Zoom fatigue, but he did pen some invaluable advice that can guide us in our bustling 21st-century
lives. Let’s dive into the first ten of his wisdom-packed quotes and see how they can help us ride the
wave (and life beyond) a little smoother
- “Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart”
Ever sat through a lecture, hearing the words but not really listening? St. Benedict reminds us that true listening involves the heart. When your classmate or friend shares about their tough day or a professor gives advice, tune in wholeheartedly. You’ll build deeper connections and gather insights you might’ve otherwise missed. - “Beginners in the service of God stand in need of beginnings.”
Everyone starts somewhere. Your first essay might not be Pulitzer-worthy, and that’s okay. It’s about growth, learning, and giving yourself grace as you navigate new challenges - “Idleness is the enemy of the soul.”
Binge-watching that new Netflix series feels great, but St. Benedict nudges us to balance relaxation with productivity. Join a club, explore a new hobby, or volunteer in your community. Your soul (and your resume) will thank you - “The divine presence is everywhere, and that ‘eyes of the Lord are looking on the good and the evil in every place.”
Whether you’re religious or not, there’s comfort in the idea that we’re never truly alone. This quote encourages us to act with integrity, even when no one’s watching. So, maybe think twice before copying that homework, yeah? - “Let all guests who arrive
be received as Christ, for He is going to say, ‘I came as a guest, and you received Me.”
Imagine treating every new classmate or professor with the respect and kindness you’d give a VIP. It’s not just about making friends; it’s about enriching your school experience through genuine connections. - “Prefer nothing whatever to Christ.”
Put simply, make Jesus the main thing in your life and don’t let anything else take precedence. Ensure nothing competes with Jesus for your heart’s devotion. - “Let them sleep in a separate
bed, and receive bedding suitable to their manner of life, according to the abbot’s direction. If possible, let all sleep in one place.”
Sounds like ol’ Benny is talking about dorm life, right? The takeaway? Respect shared spaces, consider your roommates, and create a living environment that’s harmonious for everyone - “To you, therefore, my words are now addressed, whoever you may be, who are renouncing your own will to do battle under the Lord Christ, the true King.”
Standing up for what you believe in isn’t always easy, especially in college, where various voices and opinions swirl around you. St. Benedict reminds us of the value of conviction. So, whether you’re advocating for a cause, defending a friend, or simply choosing not to partake in that weekend’s wild party, know that standing by your principles is a battle worth fighting - “For at all times we must so serve Him with the good things He has given us”
Each of us has unique talents and gifts. Maybe you’re a wiz at coding, a guitar prodigy, or have a knack for cheering up anyone on a gloomy day. St. Benedict urges us to use our gifts for good. That could mean tutoring a struggling classmate, playing music or joining a church choir, or simply spreading positivity on campus. - “The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all.”
Humility in school? With the pressures of social media and the race to have the ‘perfect’ high school or college experience, it’s a rare gem. But St. Benedict tells us that real humility is about listening, understanding, and sometimes, just following rules or advice without debating or pushing back. It’s not about being a pushover but about recognizing that we don’t always have all the answers.
Bringing It All Home.
Life, especially in school, is this crazy, beautiful, confusing mash-up of experiences, emotions, and espresso shots. While St. Benedict might not have penned his words with students in mind, his nuggets of wisdom are surprisingly on point. Now, for the call-to-action part: How about this week, you pick one of these St. Benedict quotes that resonates with you? Try living it out in your daily high school/college life. Perhaps it’s treating a new student with extra kindness, or maybe it’s using your skills to help someone out. Whatever it is, dive in and see how a dose of 6th-century wisdom can sprinkle some magic into your modern life. And remember, amidst the caffeine-fueled study sessions and existential crises, take a moment to listen with the ear of your heart. You might be surprised at what you hear.
That in all things God may be glorified!