Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 5-6)

They should make their own the different ways of teaching which the Apostle Paul recommended to Timothy when he told him to make use of criticism, of entreaty and of rebuke.

(From para. 5 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Deep, non-judgmental listening, open acceptance from the heart -- these are qualities I treasure, and from which emerge appropriate ways of relating to another. Meditation makes me more aware of the loving silence and selfless patience needed for true relationship.