Chapter 64: The election of an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 1-2)
The grounds on which a candidate is elected abbot or abbess must be the quality of their monastic life and the wisdom of their teaching, even if they are the last in order in the community. (From para. 1 of Ch. 64 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
|
Jean Vanier says: "Some people have a true gift of discernment. They can seize what is essential in a complicated discussion or a confused story. They are quick to understand what is really needed and at the same time, if they are practical, they can suggest the first steps towards putting people on the road to healing. Some people in a community who do not have an important position may have this gift of light for us. We must learn to listen to them."
|
According to a recent poll, 85% of Catholics approve of Pope Francis’ performance as “Abbot” of the Catholic Church. “Abbot” comes from “Abba”, one who speaks for you, Father. What a contrast Francis and you, Abba, present to the world’s ideals for leadership! You chose to be born to a poor teenager in a cave in a backwater country and to model leadership by getting down and washing dirty feet. Help me to become like Pope Francis and his namesake: a childlike, joyful, “Friar Minor”.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me that everyone is a gift and has a gift to offer to the world. Thus, small or big, a gift is to be received with gratefulness. In the course of my day, meditation time seems to be the smallest and obscure part, but in essence it is the most important one.
ReplyDelete