Chapter 34: Fair provision for the needs of all
This principle from Scripture should be established in the monastery, namely that distribution was made to each in accordance with their needs. This, however, should not be taken to mean that favouritism of individuals can be tolerated; far from it. It should simply be a way of showing proper consideration for needs arising from individual weakness. (From Ch. 34 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
There it is again -- weakness. When I gather my energies around recognizing and respecting the weaknesses of others, I can honestly acknowledge my own weaknesses as well. Into this relationship Christ comes, provisions are handled fairly, and the relationship becomes transformative.
There it is again -- weakness. When I gather my energies around recognizing and respecting the weaknesses of others, I can honestly acknowledge my own weaknesses as well. Into this relationship Christ comes, provisions are handled fairly, and the relationship becomes transformative.
The Rule proscribes favoritism, “God forbid, respect of persons”, but prescribes regard for individual “infirmities”. So, I get to go on learning loving discernment with ever member of my family and with every other person I meet today, a gift from the Rule that can go on for my lifetime. And what a great gift, this, my being able to go on blooming and growing, learning new things, plumbing the mysterious depths of every human being, including, first of all, myself, having new adventures all my lifelong.
ReplyDeleteImpatience... the one word that summarizes my day. I was too impatient of other people's weaknesses. Yet I was too weak to control my temper. Thus, the big challenge for me to control my temper and be more patient of other people's weaknesses.
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