Thursday, January 31, 2013

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 9)


The third step of humility is to submit oneself out of love of God to whatever obedience under a superior may require of us; it is the example of the Lord himself that we follow in this way, as we know from St Paul's words: he was made obedient even unto death.
(From para. 9 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Relationships that mediate the love of Christ require obedience of me.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 8)


The second step of humility is not to love having our own way nor to delight in our own desires.
(From para. 8 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

In having my own way, or delighting in my own desires, I exclude the expansive corrective of relationship from my experience.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 7)


And so, if the eyes of the Lord are watching the good and the wicked, and if at all times the Lord looks down from heaven on the sons and daughters of men to see if any show understanding in seeking God, and if the angels assigned to care for us report our deeds to the Lord day and night, we must be on our guard every hour or else, as the psalmist says, the time may come when God will observe us falling into evil and so made worthless.
(From para. 7 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

The grace of meditation brings me this insight: Seeking God is knowing that I'm already in relationship with him; "worthlessness" is forgetting that.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraphs 6-7)


As to pursuing our own will we are warned against that when scripture says to us: turn away from your own desires; and in the Lord's prayer itself we pray that his will may be brought to fulfilment in us.
(From para. 6 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

In the patient practice of meditation, I'm coming, more and more, to understand God's "will" as God's "way". For me this means a constant turning and returning to the source of divine energy within me.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 5)


One who follows that way finds protection at all times from sin and vice of thought, of tongue, of hand, of foot, of self-will and of disordered sensual desire, so as to lead a life that is completely open before the scrutiny of God and of his angels who watch over us from hour to hour.
(From para. 5 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Wonder-filled awareness of God, selfless attention to God who dwells in my heart, brings order, integration, and harmony to my being. I can be open to life.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 4)


The first step of humility is to cherish at all times the sense of awe with which we should turn to God. It should drive forgetfulness away...
(From para. 4 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Full of wonder, and aware of the presence of God: The first step of humility puts me in right relation to reality.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraphs 1-3)


The Word of God in scripture teaches us in clear and resounding terms that anyone who lays claim to a high position will be brought low and anyone who is modest in self-appraisal will be lifted up.
(From para. 1 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Modesty in self-appraisal suggests a lightness of being to me -- a  detachment from the weight of the ego, making way for expansion of spirit.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Chapter 6: Cherishing silence in the monastery


We should remember that speaking and instructing belong to the teacher; the disciple's role is to be silent and listen.
(From para. 1 of Ch. 6 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Practicing the silence of meditation, I learn, little by little, the language of silence. This is the language of the human consciousness of Jesus in my heart.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Chapter 5: Monastic obedience (paragraph 4)


We should remember, however, that such obedience will be acceptable to God and rewarding to us, if we carry out the orders given us in a way that is not fearful, nor slow, nor half-hearted nor marred by murmuring or the sort of compliance that betrays resentment.
(From para. 4 of Ch. 5 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

I know from my own experience that sluggishness and resistance to life is a very human condition. But even in such a state, I can turn to my heart, and touch the source of life and selfless love.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Chapter 5: Monastic obedience (paragraphs 1-3)


The first step on the way to humility is to obey an order without delaying for a moment. That is a response which comes easily to those who hold nothing dearer than Christ himself.
(From para. 1 of Ch. 5 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

The "first step" becomes a shorter, quicker step for me, as I learn, little by little, not to cling to the reactions of my ego.  I become more obedient to the spirit of love, and I become more free.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Chapter 4: Guidelines for Christian and monastic good practice (paragraphs 9-13)


No one should aspire to gain a reputation for holiness. First of all we must actually become holy; then there would be some truth in having a reputation for it.
(From para. 11 of Ch. 4 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Holiness doesn't happen in a vacuum. St. Benedict points me toward becoming a more selfless and integrated person through relationship, with God, and in community. My work is respect and reconciliation.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Chapter 4: Guidelines for Christian and monastic good practice (paragraphs 6-8)


Your hope of fulfillment should be centred in God alone.
(From para. 6 of Ch. 4 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

My hope of fulfillment, centered in God alone, can become the way I live each moment, and thus time touches the eternal, becomes holy.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Chapter 4: Guidelines for Christian and monastic good practice (paragraphs 3-5)


Don't let your action be governed by anger nor nurse your anger against a future opportunity of indulging it.
(From para. 3 of Ch. 4 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

I notice that St. Benedict doesn't tell me here to be ashamed of experiencing anger.  But, I don't have to choose, in that experience, to place my attention in an obsessive state of the ego. I can choose to place it in Christ.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Chapter 4: Guidelines for Christian and monastic good practice (paragraphs 1-2)

Renounce your own desires and ambitions so as to be free to follow Christ.
(From para. 2 of Ch. 1 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

"Renouncing" is what I do when I say the mantra; liberty of spirit is what I begin to find.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Chapter 3: Calling the community together for consultation (paragraphs 2-3)


Such an ideal can be achieved only if everyone duly conforms to the authority of the Rule and no one gives way to self-will by deviating from it.
(From para. 2 of Ch. 3 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

My self-will can stand in the way of seeing how my behavior affects others.  The practice of meditation reveals to me, little by little, a sense of the interconnectedness of creation.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Chapter 3: Calling the community together for consultation (paragraph 1)


The community themselves should be careful to offer their advice with due deference and respect, avoiding an obstinate defence of their own convictions.
(From para. 1 of Ch. 3 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Obstinate defense is the entrenched position of my ego.  Deference and respect spring from the ground of my heart.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Chapter 2:  Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 8-9)


It is above all important that monastic superiors should not underrate or think lightly of the salvation of the souls committed to them by giving too much attention to transient affairs of this world which have no lasting value.
(From para. 8 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Things start to fall into their proper place, when I move in the sphere of God's presence.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraph 7)


It is the task of the superiors to adapt with sympathetic understanding to the needs of each so that they may not only avoid any loss but even have the joy of increasing the number of good sheep in the flock committed to them.
(From para. 8 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Adapting with sympathetic understanding is not a trait of my ego. But the Spirit points out the selfless way of expansive love.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

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

Thus in adapting to changing circumstances they should use now the encouragement of a loving parent and now the threats of a harsh disciplinarian.
(From para. 5 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

From the practice of meditation, I've learned to respond to changing circumstances by being less egocentric, and more attentive to the other.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraph 4)


Otherwise all must keep their proper place in the community order, because whether slave or free we are all one in Christ and we owe an equal service in the army of one Lord who shows no special favour to one rather than another.
(From para. 4 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

The experience of meditation helps me to discover my unique identity in Christ, and to see how this is the true for everyone.  

Friday, January 11, 2013

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraph 3)

To disciples who can understand they may teach the way of the Lord with words; but to the less receptive and uneducated they should teach what the Lord commands us by example.
(From para. 3 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Sometimes words seem less and less important to me, when looks and gestures are so powerful, and the example of service can be life-changing.  I'm told that St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel.  Use words if you have to." 

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraph 2)


In fact they should remember that they will have to account in the awesome judgement of God both for their own teaching and also for the obedience of their disciples.
(From para. 2 of ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

This morning, Benedict reminds me of the loving interdependence in community that is the hallmark of the Spirit. I'm not on this earth to save my soul alone, but to live in a way that strengthens the Body of Christ.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 1-2)


...[E]verything he or she commands or teaches should be like a leaven of the holiness that comes from God infused into the minds of their disciples.
(From para. 2 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

When I have a leadership role to play, do I honor my obligation to be like a "leaven of holiness", allowing the Spirit to expand and enlighten, as it will?

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Chapter 1: Four approaches to monastic life

[Anchorites] have learnt well from everyday experience with the support of many others in a community how to fight against the devil.
(From para. 1 of Ch. 1 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

The anchorite way of life is a worthy one, in Benedict's eyes, because these monks have first been schooled in community. My "everyday experience" of a family brought together by God, is the means of learning how to overcome self-centeredness, and enter into true relationship with myself, with others, and with God. 

Monday, January 7, 2013

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 8)

If, however, you find in it anything which seems rather strict, but which is demanded reasonably for the correction of vice or the preservation of love, do not let that frighten you into fleeing from the way of salvation; it is a way which is bound to seem narrow to start with.
(From para. 8 of Prologue to the Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

This is the way of the mantra, perhaps rather strict, but demanded reasonably to correct alienation and preserve love; it is bound to seem narrow to start with.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 7)

We must, therefore, prepare our hearts and bodies to serve him under the guidance of holy obedience. Conscious in this undertaking of our own weakness let us ask the Lord to give us through his grace the help we need.
(From para. 7 of Prologue to the Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB,1997.)

The first step in seeking God is to be conscious of my own weakness. Weakness is a place of silence, stillness, and simplicity, where Jesus enters in.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 6)

For that very reason also, so that we may mend our evil ways, the days of our mortal lives are allowed us as a sort of truce for improvement.
(From para. 6 of Prologue to the Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

I think that passivity can be just as disordered as activity, when my being is not integrated in my heart. I'm grateful for each new day that allows me to practice selfless attention, and to experience the divine energy that flows from that.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 5)


And so to prepare ourselves for the journey before us let us renew our faith and set ourselves high standards by which to lead our lives.
(From para. 5 of Prologue to the Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

I need to interiorize "high standards" to live them out authentically. To do this, Benedict urges me to understand such standards, not in terms of apparent achievement, but in terms of humility, of true self-knowledge in Christ. 

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Prologue to the Rule (paragraph 4)


It is to find workers in his cause that God calls out like that to all peoples.
(From para. 4 of Prologue to the Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Do I remain committed to seeking my highest calling, in faith, true self-knowledge, and service?

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Prologue to The Rule (paragraph 3)

Let us open our eyes to the light that can change us into the likeness of God.
(From para. 3 of Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

It's a simple as opening my eyes -- the decision where to place my attention at any given moment. God beckons me continuously. How do I respond? 

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Prologue to The Rule (paragraphs 1-2)

Listen, child of God, to the guidance of your teacher. Attend to the message you hear and make sure that it pierces to your heart, so that you may accept with willing freedom and fulfil by the way you live the directions that come from your loving Father.
(From para. 1 of Prologue to the Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

I was recently moved again by hearing Simeon's prophecy to Mary, as she presented the infant Jesus in  the Temple, that a sword would pierce her heart. Benedict's guidance to me evokes this image of suffering, and, paradoxically, also liberty of spirit. In this new year, may I ever more piercingly discern the difference between suffering caused by my ego, and the suffering of selfless love.