In this episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor reflects on St. Benedict’s instruction not to nurse anger or harbor a grudge, but to make peace before the setting of the sun. The Holy Rule recognizes how quietly resentment can settle into the heart and distort judgment over time. Peace is not optional in Benedictine life. It is necessary for fidelity.

St. Benedict does not deny injury or minimize loss. He directs the heart toward release. Sometimes what has been lost can be repaired. Sometimes it can be replaced by a new good. Sometimes it must be entrusted to God and let go. The discipline is simple and concrete: do not carry anger into the next day. Rooted in God’s mercy, this episode invites listeners to take one deliberate step toward peace and allow grace to loosen the grip of grievance.

Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 4 §§14-21(RB 1980)

“Not to give way to anger. Not to foster a desire for revenge.
To make peace with an adversary before the setting of the sun.
And never to despair of God’s mercy.”

“Pauperes recreare, nudos vestire, infirmos visitare, mortuos sepelire, in tribulatione subvenire, dolentem consolari… Christo omnino nihil praeponere.”

Letter from Paul to the Ephesians, 4:26-27. RSV–CE

“Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

1. Is there an anger or grievance I have allowed to remain longer than necessary?

2. Do I find myself rehearsing past injuries in ways that keep them alive?

3. What has been lost in a recent conflict, and which path is possible: repair, replacement or release?

4. What simple step toward peace can I take before this day ends?

5. How does trusting in God’s mercy change my willingness to forgive?

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