Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 13)
The sixth step of humility for monks or nuns is to accept without complaint really wretched and inadequate conditions so that when faced with a task of any kind they would think of themselves as poor workers not worthy of consideration and repeat to God the verse of the psalm: I am of no account and lack understanding, no better than a beast in your sight. Yet I am always in your presence. (Para. 13 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
I would rewrite this paragraph to say that the sixth step of humility for me is to allow meditation to burn away selfish concern, to sharpen my vision of reality through the practice of selfless attention, and to realize that God is present in every situation. Indeed, he is the living flame at the center of my soul.
Humility is... to accept without complaint. I am sorry! lately I find myself complaining even of petty things. Again, the pain of paradoxes of life. Of being proud with the desire for humility. Of pretending to know that I am ignorant. Despite of me oh Lord, I desire your desire of presence ... in meditation.
ReplyDelete“I am become as a beast of burden.” You invite me to become such--side by side with you, Jesus, Lord, here within and about me. “Take my yoke upon you,” your invitation reads. “Discover how my yoke is sweet and my burden is light. Come, go shoulder to shoulder with me; learn that I am meek and humble of heart. Find peace for your soul .” So, once more I turn, become your little one, and right-sized once more, find joy.
ReplyDeleteIt would be better if I were "no better than a beast in your sight." I look at my dog who looks to me for food, for a walk, to be where I am quite content. He never says I want more, or I do not like this , or I deserve better. I have reflected on his "attitude" and the passage in the psalms, "their eyes are on the hands of their masters." I would like to be like my dog quite content in the presence of God with the eyes of my heart always on Him and where He leads me ,not relying on externals "to make my day."
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