Okay, read! And I actually agree with about 95% of what you said. The issues you bring up are exactly why I encourage (in my RoL course and in my probably forthcoming non-fiction book about this) to first acknowledge the universal purpose in life for every one of us: to become a saint. In this purpose we find very clear practices prescribed for all of us — participation in the Church to be a key one.

And then I’m glad you acknowledged that there are personal disciplines for each of us — this is where I believe a good Rule parks. We’re all called to be saints, and the communion of saints is as wildly diverse as nothing else on earth! A good Rule, I believe, helps us name what that looks like so that we remember what to say yes and no to in the day-to-day.

And yes, ultimately a Benedictine Rule is for communities, which is why someone really can’t create a good Rule in isolation, as though they live in a vacuum. (This is why I’m glad, and want all of us, to be part of the one universal Church founded by Jesus directly. 😉)

All in all, good thoughts, Myles! Thank you for sharing.