Chapter 30: The correction of young children
There is a proper way of dealing with every age and every degree of understanding, and we should find the right way of dealing with the young.
(From Ch. 30 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)
St. Benedict's word this morning resounds in me with the power of command: Not to approach anyone from my ego, with a desire to control, but to approach everyone from my heart, with a desire to love.
Chapter 30 ends with the words,"so that they may be healed." The Rule of Benedict refers to healing both physically and spiritually and communally numerous times. Physical healing takes place invisibly in the unseen parts and cells of the body with the help of others, e.g. a physician. It is in the silence of meditation with the ointment of the mantra that healing takes place in the soul unseen and radiates health and strength throughout my individual being but also to the community at large.
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