Daily Meditation for March 21, 2025

Today, we Benedictines honor the day of St. Benedict’s death as he entered the portals of heaven. It’s also designated on the secular calendar as “Courtesy Day.” These two facets of this day can be easily brought together as The Rule of St. Benedict does focus on courtesy even if it isn’t specifically named in this manner. One quotation from the Rule in Chapter 6 states, “I have resolved to watch over my tongue lest I sin in my speech” (Ps. 38). In oral communication, speech reflects on the dignity of each person “made in the likeness of God.” It also calls to mind what we hear from Jesus in St. Matthew’s gospel: What to do to others you do to me. In line with the heart of St. Benedict, may one’s speech be known by gentle, kind and affirming words that may touch lives of those whose ears are blessed by them.

By Philip Zimmer, OSB