Saint Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage
(c. 210 – 258)
Benedict’s instruction to prefer nothing whatever to Christ comes from Cyprian, a third century bishop in North Africa. In Cyprian’s treatise on the Lord’s Prayer – de dominica oratione, #15 – he included a list of “the will of God which Christ both did and taught.”
This list offers a beautiful description of who we are to be as Christians. It includes such actions as humility, steadfastness in faith, justice, keeping peace with others, standing by His cross “bravely and faithfully.” [1]
Cyprian wrote…
“Prefer nothing whatever to Christ
for he has preferred nothing to us.” [2]
What a stunning truth—that Jesus has preferred nothing, that’s nothing, to each of us, unworthy though we are. Jesus revealed this in his Farewell Discourse when he said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16a).
How do we respond to this stunning truth that He prefers us?
By preferring him!
Preferences Shape Us
Preference shape who we are, what we do, and the choices that we make. We are reluctant, or I might say loathe, to act in a way that is contrary to our liking.
I prefer chocolate and would not choose fruit as a dessert!
If you prefer being with your family on weekends you will most definitely choose to make the time to do this.
If we choose an angry retort to a comment made by another, or harbor angry thoughts, are we not preferring ourselves to Christ?
Here’s a idea – to become aware of our preferences. Then ask, ”Do these preferences track with preferring Christ?” Some may, some may not. Truth is that we can say that we prefer Christ but still end up preferring to “do our own thing.”
Christ Shapes Us
If we are really serious about preferring Christ we can take steps to set aside “doing our own thing.” We intentionally look to Him for we are to be and what we are to do. This means that…
We adopt a willingness to consider his point of view in molding who we are and in choosing what we say and do. We study Scripture and his actions to learn His way.
We take the time each day to nurture our relationship with Him in prayer and study.
We study The Rule of St. Benedict for insights into what living Jesus’ way.
We follow his example especially when we are faced with difficult situations or when compassion is needed. This even includes taking time for rest as He did.
What Preferring Christ Looks Like
When we prefer Christ, we do anti-world things like loving one another for Christ’s sake. We “cut some slack” with one another, being patient and forgiving, recognizing that we also have growing edges. We ease up on being judgmental. We accept our sisters and brothers in the faith and beyond our faith, acknowledging our oneness in creation.
We try to choose his way and not the way that may burn within us. As Joan Chittister says,
“Benedictine spirituality is about caring for the people you live with and loving the people you don’t and loving God more than yourself.” [3]
When we prefer Christ, we choose Him over another—his way over other ways, his self-giving love over a love meted out on merit or convenience, his expansive and compassionate priorities over our often-limited ones. These choices, over time, mold us more and more into his likeness.
For Personal Reflection
In what situations or with what people do you find it most difficult to “prefer Christ?”
What steps might you take to remind yourself to prefer Christ’s way in these situations or with these people?
Practice self-awareness this week and notice when you resist Christ and his way. Explore this resistance and think about what its source might be within you.
We are His Eyes, His Hands and His Heart
Perhaps preferring nothing but Christ is being Christ in our daily lives. We strive to do this as best as we can each day, responding as much like him as we can to the in all the many places and situations before us. A worthy goal for us all.
“Let thwm prefer nothing whatever to Christ.” RB 72.11
Blessings on your journey with Christ,
Amma Jane
Endnotes
[1] https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/on-the-lords-prayer-de-dominica-oratione-11409
Terrence G. Kardong, Benedict’s Rule: A Translation and Commentary (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1996), 596.
[3] Joan Chittister, OSB, The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st Century (New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 1992 & 2010), 198.