Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 5-6)

Thus in adapting to changing circumstances they should us now the encouragement of a loving parent and now the threats of a harsh disciplinarian. (From para. 5 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I don't know of many circumstances in my life where harsh threats are appropriate. But I resonate deeply with Benedict's advice that communication with another must not be simply on my terms. Rather, I see the need to communicate as an opportunity to bring out, sometimes with kind endurance, the best in both of us. Meditation teaches me the gifts that are called for: patience, listening, discernment.