Prologue to The Rule (paragraph 6)
For that very reason also, so that we may mend our evil ways, the days of our mortal lives are allowed us as a sort of truce for improvement. (From para. 6 of Prologue to The Rule of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
I associate the word "truce" with warfare, but the roots of the word are in "truth". What better reason for me to live each day, than to come closer to the truth of who I am, in the reality of the Spirit.
I associate the word "truce" with warfare, but the roots of the word are in "truth". What better reason for me to live each day, than to come closer to the truth of who I am, in the reality of the Spirit.
Benedict tells me, Abba, that you know my "evil ways" and you give me today as a "truce for improvement". AA's and other Twelve Steppers' synonym for this truce is a "daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of my spiritual condition." I am not now nor ever shall be rid of my potential for evil. The war is not now, nor ever shall be, over while I am still breathing . But you hand me the truce of today to repent, to "think again", to "change my mind", to alter my attitude, to change my behavior, to choose to surrender to, to fall in love again, with you.
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