“Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way;
the love of Christ must come before all else.”
RB 40-41
Hello, Reader. Welcome! Glad you’re here.
Ever find an answer to a question by being right where you are? My “Ah hah” moment happened during a visit to St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota (September, 2025).
On the retreat I was pondering the verses above from Chapter 4 of the Rule. How do I act in a way that’s different from the world’s way? How do I show the love of Christ to others? What does all that look like?
Br. Ricky Finds Answers at Fishpond
One afternoon Amma and I were strolling the monastery grounds when we came upon a large fishpond. Splashing fountains made a joyful melody that enlivened the heart. Fish glided about in a smooth and relaxed manner that soothed my soul.
Br. Ricky Studies the Fish
I was delighted to see the way each fish moved through the water. The larger fish swayed their bodies gracefully. The smaller fish looked perky as they snapped their little bodies from side to side. The latter made me give a little feline chuckle. I will admit, my stomach growled a bit. But these fish were my friends and teachers, not lunch.
I also noticed that their movements were mostly forward. If a fish came upon an obstacle in the water, this would be met, acknowledged, and then swum around. The fish would proceed undeterred. I saw, too, that a few were taking time to be still and rest.
What hit me was how the fish moved through this watery home. Each fish looked so comfortable and peaceful. They received the water just as it was.
The Fish Were All Different
The fish varied in length from tiny minnow-type fish a few inches in length to big fish over a foot long. They were a colorful feast for our eyes. Some were plain off-white, orange, or even very dark gray. Some had multiple colors like black, white, gray, and orange. Some had tiny fins, some had large fins, and some had really fancy filigreed fins that fluttered when they swam.
In spite of these differences they got along with each other. No one was attacking another resident. A peaceful harmony prevailed. I marveled at their acceptance of one another. There was freedom offered, too, for how each fish chose to be. I saw fish swimming by themselves. I saw fish in groups navigating together around the pond. I saw pairs of fish gliding together.
Such acceptance was extended to even Amma and me. The fish came over to greet us when we arrived at the pond. Now we are REALLY different from them, yet we received a hospitable welcome. Perhaps they knew I was their Benedictine friend, and they were in no danger of becoming my lunch.
Br. Ricky’s “Ah Hah” Moment
I gazed at the swimming fish (it’s really kind of hypnotic). I noted how they interacted, like buddies. Then it came to me. Here is a model for the Benedictine life that addressed my questions about RB 4.20-21. What does living with the love of Christ first look like?
I encourage you to take a moment to click on the picture below for a snippet of what we observed, courtesy of Amma’s cellphone camera. What do you see? Then continue reading and I will share what I saw as a model for the Benedictine life.
Fish Point Us To That Different Way of Acting
I am sure that you have begun to see how these monastery fish can be a model for us. But let me share with you what I discerned. I think that acceptance is at the heart of the matter.
Our Way of Acting Will Be Different from the World’s Way
So many people today rush about, trying to accomplish things and getting frustrated when progress is slow or there are obstacles in the way. Amma confesses that she often falls (leaps?) into this pattern. The fish showed me a different way of being in the world that enhances my life and my search for a deeper connection with God.
The fish are so comfortable in the water, accepting it and being themselves in it. We can strive for the same acceptance with our environment, i.e., what is going on in our lives. When we don’t, our search for God is shut out for the noise of our battling against whatever is not to our liking. Even though we may not like what’s going on, when we accept its reality. We then leave a greater space for God’s grace.
“Place your hope in God alone.” RB 4.41
Like the fish, our movements will be graceful as we navigate the challenges. We can be centered in God and accept who we are and who we are becoming. Obstacles will be there but will not deter us. We will meet them and go through or choose another path.
We can also take time for rest, often a big challenge for humans. Yet even St. Benedict encouraged this with the optional post-lunch nap.
“…after Sext and their meal, they may rest on their beds in complete silence…” RB 48.5a
The Love of Christ Must Come Before All Else
As the fish modeled, we can put Christ’s love first as we accept one another in all our differences. We respect and honor those differences. We allow people to be themselves and not try to change them. We turn from judging others. We can give others the freedom to be themselves alone or to join us.
“Among themselves they show the pure love of sisters and brothers.” RB 72.8
Like the fish who greeted Amma and me, we can be like the porter of the monastery who greets visitors with gentleness and love.
“As soon as anyone knocks, or a poor person calls out the porter will reply, ’Thanks be to God’ or ‘Your blessing, please; then, with all the gentleness that comes from reverence of God, provides a prompt answer with the warmth of love.” RB 66.3-4
Fountains Show Us the Way
Even the fountains in the fishpond taught me something.
Ponds have fountains primarily to aerate the water. This provides lots of oxygen for the pond residents. Fountains reduce the growth of algae that clogs up the water. Fountains move the water around so that it doesn’t become stagnant.
“Whoa!” I mewed loudly. We are just like the fish. Our spiritual waters need to be aerated. We need the oxygen of prayer. We read Holy Scripture and spiritual writings to break up the algae of self-centered words and actions. The Rule of St. Benedict prevents stagnation in our spiritual life.
Try It! Visit A Fishpond
The next time you find yourself before a fish pond, stop and look. Be attentive. You’ll find a refresher for your spiritual life.
In fact, try this – be present in all of nature. She is a profound and gentle teacher. See what you can learn about how to be Christ in the world and how to share his love with others. Spiritual teachers are all around us.
So good to be with you. Hope what I wrote was helpful.
Your Benedictine Friend,
Br. Ricky, OSB-F
Novice Master and Mewsletter Editor
