It’s hard to believe, but it’s been over a year since I first started down the path to becoming a Benedictine Oblate. In that time, I have learned a lot about the riches of the Benedictine tradition and how the Rule of St. Benedict helps to shape me so that I have a more peaceful, focused, and giving life of faith. This year as a novice has helped me find a way to begin to adapt to living according to the spirit of that Rule. Each day I discover new ways to live with an attention to sufficiency in my relations to possessions, stability in my relations with others, and obedience in my relation to God. In many ways, this year feels like it has been preparation and that I am just now beginning to glimpse the wisdom in this way of living. One of the things I’m most grateful for is how much richer preparing to become an Oblate has made my experience in returning to the practice of the ordained ministry as the interim pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Beatrice.

On Sunday, Nov. 8, at the end of this one-year time as a novice, I will make what is called my final oblation, or my public promise to live according to the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict. Please pray for me as this day approaches, asking God to strengthen my commitment to this path.

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support.

Blessings,

David M. Frye

+ Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus.
+ That God may be glorified in all things.

P.S. One of the ways that I explored what this commitment means to me was to spend time each day for a month reading a portion of the Rule and then writing about it. I put these reflections all together here on my blog at Ruminations. A good introduction to Benedictine Oblates is available at Oblates of Saint Benedict. The Lincoln Chapter of Benedictine Oblates is directed by Sister Phyllis Hunhoff and is associated with the Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, S.D. More info about the program is at Sacred Heart Monastery. The saying in my signature is the motto or byword of the Benedictines.