Becoming a Community of Disciples

Introduction

7

monasticism, allowing us to understand Basil’s full vision for the monastic life, but the so-called “Rule” of Basil (which is primarily the Small Asceticon ) is the one that was translated into Latin and had the greater impact on the Christian Church in the west, of which we are a part.

Basil of Caesarea

Writes his monastic rules

Born in Cappadocia

Dies in Caesarea

351-356

370

329

358-364

379

Studies in Athens

Made Bishop of Caesarea

Benedict was born in Nursia, which is in central Italy. According to Gregory the Great (d. 604), who wrote his life, Benedict was sent to school in Rome but after seeing the sinfulness of his classmates he quit his studies, left his family home, gave up his inheritance and sought to please God alone. He chose to become a monk so that he could lead a holy life. This led him to live in a cave at Subiaco, about forty miles east of Rome. Gregory tells us that on the way to Subiaco, Benedict met a monk named Romanus who gave Benedict a monastic habit; that is, the long dark gown worn by monks. Over the next three years Romanus brought Benedict food, lowering it to him in a basket. In time Benedict’s holiness became well-known by the other Christians living in the area, leading them to copy his way of life. A local monastery asked Benedict to become their leader. He agreed to be their Abbot, but in time “the monks under his rule grew furious . . . It was hard