Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 4)
The first step of humility is to cherish at all times the sense of awe with which we should turn to God. It should drive forgetfulness away... (From para. 4 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
Previously when I've read this passage, I've been drawn to Benedict's words about "the sense of awe... [which] should drive forgetfulness away" -- such an encouraging description, for me, of the practice of setting the mantra free in my heart. But today the word that sings out is cherish -- an experience of intimacy. To me it seems that the first step of humility involves an experience of life-giving intimacy.
"Forgetfulness" describes my condition of darkness when I do not live aware of the goodness and richness available in my life and instead focus on what I or others lack. It describes a "forgetfulness" of my personal vulnerabilities and flaws and that I am greatly loved by the God Who always sees me and knows my innermost thoughts. I respond to the light of the presence of the Spirit of God within my heart with the simple lamp of the mantra lighting the darkness of "forgetfulness." This light lets God "show" me Who He is and not what I want Him to be. In turn, I "see" myself being loved in my being who I am, and then I in turn, can love others in the same way.
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