Prologue to The Rule (paragraph 5)
And so now to prepare ourselves for the journey before us let us renew our faith and set ourselves high standards by which to lead our lives. (From para. 5 of Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
I can't think of any higher standard than living in the unitive consciousness of love. It's a standard to which I will fall short, and remember only intermittently. But it's the same love in which I aspire to live that is already sustaining me.
I can't think of any higher standard than living in the unitive consciousness of love. It's a standard to which I will fall short, and remember only intermittently. But it's the same love in which I aspire to live that is already sustaining me.
“If we wish to dwell in God’s tent, we will never arrive unless we run there by doing good deeds(RB Prol.22)….and do not become elated over our (their) good deeds;” judging it is God’s strength,not our own,that brings about the good in us.(RB Prol.29).
ReplyDeleteIt seems on the face of it to be a tall order- keeping in mind “doing good”, and on the other hand not keeping it in mind as something I have done and altogether keeping God in mind as the real doer in me of those good deeds.
If truth be told it is easy for the ego to want the glory. It can’t hide from praise. And if it tries to deflect the praise, it stumbles into it all the more. The fumbling words, and the attempts to hide, bring the ego out all the more. Where do I go, how can I hide? I do not want to stop doing good deeds however mistaken in goodness they might be. But there is a simple help-for doing something for another. The simple help keeps the intent in mind-- the other person, no matter how it may make me look or to what extent it may take me.
The help is the mantra, requiring no special talent or gift, just a serious intent and perseverence. It lies close at hand and by constant repetition in the heart keeps my mind and heart rooted and attentive to God.(from Daily Readings With John Main:Silence & Stillness in Every Season,) I am in God and God is in me. Mistakes are made but as long as I keep that mantra burning like an undying flame what can I lose that's of real importance-- myself !
"Joy and gladness are a sure sign that the message contained in the mystery of this night is truly from God. There is no room for doubt; let us leave that to the skeptics who, by looking to reason alone, never find the truth. There is no room for the indifference which reigns in the hearts of those unable to love for fear of losing something. All sadness has been banished, for the Child Jesus brings true comfort to every heart." (Pope Francis Christmas Homily)
ReplyDeleteAbba, help me to hear the message of joy and gladness Benedict is proclaiming in his Rule and to which my daily meditation invites me.