Chapter 72: The good spirit which should inspire monastic life

It is easy to recognize the bitter spirit of wickedness which creates a barrier to God's grace and opens the way to the evil of hell. But equally there is a good spirit which frees us from evil ways and brings us closer to God and eternal life. (From Ch. 72 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I know that I have both good in the evil in myself, both love and alienation. And yet, I wish not to be judgmental, even about these matters, if my judgment comes from my ego. Meditation teaches me an openness, tolerance and compassion that seeks out the redemptive qualities of experience.