Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 8-9)
By encouraging through their faithful ministry better standards for those in their care, they will develop higher ideals in their own lives as well. (From para. 9 of Ch. 2 of St. Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
I feel that I must be very careful not to read this passage as permission to teach others in my care, or to expect of them, what I don't hold as a standard for myself. And, as St. Paul says, we all have different gifts, so I should also avoid the urge towards comparing myself with others. In the middle way is a path of mutual encouragement that is to be found when the Spirit meets itself in another.
"Above all let her not neglect or undervalue the welfare of the souls committed to her..." Oh Lord, how negligent I am at times of people whom to brought my way. Help to listen more deeply to the message, the why's of your bringing them to me.
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