Chapter 28: The treatment of those who relapse
If even such prayer does not bring healing, the superior must turn to the knife of amputation, following the guidance of St Paul, who told the Corinthians to banish the evil from their midst, and again he said: if the unfaithful one wishes to go, let him go, lest one diseased sheep corrupt the whole flock.
(From Ch. 28 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)
I think it takes discernment, not borne of attention to my ego, but to divine presence, to know when to accept difficult relationships, and when to let them go. My ego can stir up very mixed motives, and make situations worse. But God calls me to hold true to the way of growth that springs from my rootedness and trust in him.
What strikes me most in this Chapter, is the phrase, "the ointment of encouragement". I am grateful for this "encouragement ointment" everywhere I turn. From the Community itself through the weekly readings of John Main and Laurence Freeman, the daily readings of the Rule, and all the other inspirational writings of the Community,plus the availability of sacramental encouragement and inspiration of my own Parish Community. I am not left alone nor ignored in "fruitless patterns" of "useless ideas or behaviors". It is up to me to die to the arrogant and resistant self, avail myself of this aid and bring this precious healing ointment to others.
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