Chapter 61: Monastic pilgrims from far away  (paragraphs 1-2)

It may happen, of course, that one of them may find something to point out in criticism about the customs of the monastery, using sound arguments in a spirit of charitable deference. In that case the superior should consider the whole questions with care and prudence in case it was for this very purpose that the pilgrim was sent by the Lord.

(From para. 1 of Ch. 61 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

My oldest child, coming home from college for Christmas, seems a bit like a pilgrim from far away. St. Benedict reminds me to stay open to the presence of the Spirit, in all the comings, goings, and expectations of this busy time of year.