Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraphs 19-20)
The humility of their hearts should be apparent by their bodily movements to all who see them. (From para. 19 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
As the integration of my being grows in my heart, through meditation, it seems natural that this consciousness should also grow: My spirit expresses itself as more embodied, and my body expresses itself as more inspirited.
“Having climbed all these steps of humility, therefore, the monk will presently come to that perfect love of God that casts our fear.” (Paragraph 20, Transl by Leonard Doyle, OblSB). When I am anxious, in fear, I am usually living in the future, especially in the unavoidable triad that the Buddhists remind me is my destiny, like it is that of every human being: aging, illness and death. Meditation and the mantra teach me how to cast out that fear: I make that future my present and embrace and love you, Abba, in my daily death, in the sacrament of the present moment. My fear evaporates and I rest in you once more.
ReplyDeleteThe self-absorbed egoism that kept me locked up in an illusory and false sense of self, I can now let go. Grounding myself in a truer sense of self "out of love for Christ", I am better able to meet the world with joy, gratefulness, peace and love. Opening up the windows and doors of a once locked heart, I can allow the Holy Spirit of Christ to make room for God's transforming love to shine through me. I don't want to stand in the way any more.
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