Chapter 71: Mutual obedience in the monastery
Any monk or nun who is corrected for anything by abbot or abbess or one of the seniors and perceives that the senior is upset by feelings of anger, even though they may be well in control, then that junior should at once prostrate on the ground in contrition and not move until the senior gives a blessing which will heal the upset. (From para. 2 of Ch. 71 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
I pondered on this directive quite a bit from a justice point of view. Who's guilty, and of what? Was the junior really at fault for something or unjustly corrected? Isn't the senior's anger a fault, and isn't controlling his anger enough? Why does the junior, guilty or not, have to prostrate himself for his perceived fault to the senior? But I realize St. Benedict isn't talking about justice. He's talking about love in the form of mutual obedience, and that happens in the moment of the blessing. The blessing takes the scenario beyond a matter of justice and movies it into the realm of reconciliation.
Correction and blessing. Two big words that to me speak or mean healing. In all humility, I should accept correction for this is a way to overcome my weaknesses. And in all circumstances I need to seek blessing for it is only through thy grace Oh Lord, that I am healed.
ReplyDeleteConflict is part of our human existence even in monasteries. That is subtly reassuring to me since it encourages me not to despair and to remember that love and forgiveness can make all things new.
ReplyDelete“If you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, go first and reconcile yourself with your brother and then come an offer your gift.” What a challenge Jesus presents for my hard-headed, hard-hearted and arrogant ego! Abba, I want to learn how to love as you do, mercifully, humbly, simply, unconditionally. Help thou my lack of love.
ReplyDelete