CHAPTER 2 – BEHOLD THEY ARE ONE PEOPLE
“First offer them the milk of simpler teaching, as the Apostle recommends, so that gradually, as they grow strong on the food of God’s Word, they are capable of receiving more elaborate instructions and of carrying out the higher commandment of God.” -From the Monastic Rule of St. Aidan
“The soul must be submitted to the rule of the mind, the mind to Christ, and thereby the whole being is submitted through Christ to God the Father.” -John Scotus Eriugena
This is the Rule of our Community. A rule is a measuring rod, a standard against which we check our progress, a map showing us the route toward our chosen goal. A rule is not rules: the governance of some bureaucracy, another person’s program for our lives, or laws and demands laid upon us from outside ourselves.
With a clear vision and joyful hearts, we embrace this Rule. It’s not a set of constraints, but a compass guiding us towards the person we want to become and the loving community we aspire to build. We freely accept its limitations, for they foster discipline, a vital tool for growth. We embrace its teachings with love, knowing they offer healing to a world yearning for connection. And we answer its call to continually strive for deeper love and stronger community.
Our way of life isn’t about micromanaging one another. Instead, we offer support, love, guidance, and shared experiences. So while the Common Rule sets our core framework, members and chapters can incorporate practices from other monastic traditions, as long as they are compatible with our core principles and beliefs. We encourage and constructively challenge each other on our ongoing journey to become the fullest expression of humanity – reflections of God’s glory.
In the spirit of poverty, we offer this Rule freely, not as an exclusive possession but as a guide for any who seek its path. Chastity compels us to live by its principles, fostering love for everyone we encounter. Obedience, however challenging, is our commitment to follow this path with integrity, each finding our own unique way to reach our shared goal.
Scriptural Support
Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Cor. 3:4-6 (NRSV)
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (RSV)