Put Christ before everything

Today, July 11, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Benedict, abbot, our Church first invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Philippians (3:7---4:1, 4-9) entitled "Rejoice in the Lord always". Our treasure, which follows, is from the Rule of Benedict, abbot. Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. AD 480–547) was the founder of Western monasticism and is honored as one of the greatest saints in the history of the Catholic Church. Leaving behind a comfortable life in Rome, he sought God through prayer, solitude, and a life of holiness before founding several monasteries, the most famous being Monte Cassino. His greatest contribution was writing the Rule of St. Benedict, a practical guide for monastic life centered on prayer, work, obedience, humility, community, and moderation. His Rule became the foundation of monastic life throughout Western Christianity and helped preserve the faith, learning, Scripture, and classical culture during the turbulent years following the fall of the Roman Empire. Our "treasure" is from "Put Christ Before Everything," from the Rule of Saint Benedict wherein he teaches that Jesus Christ must be the highest priority in every aspect of a Christian's life. Benedict emphasizes that love for Christ should shape our thoughts, decisions, relationships, work, and prayer, leading us to practice humility, obedience, charity, and self-discipline. He reminds his monks that nothing—not personal comfort, ambition, possessions, or even human relationships—should take precedence over following Christ. Although written for monastic communities, this teaching applies to all Christians: when Christ is placed first, every other part of life finds its proper order and purpose. The central message is that lasting holiness and true happiness are found by seeking Christ above all else and allowing Him to guide every action. The first reading today teaches that true joy and lasting peace are found not in earthly success or possessions but in a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Saint Paul explains that he considers everything else insignificant compared with knowing Christ and sharing in His life. He urges Christians to persevere in faith, rejoice in the Lord under all circumstances, replace anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving, and fill their minds with whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. Paul promises that those who entrust themselves to God in this way will experience the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding and guards their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The central message is that steadfast faith, joyful trust, and holy living enable Christians to remain at peace and faithful regardless of life's circumstances.