Chapter 3: Calling the community together for consultation (paragraphs 2-3)
Such an ideal can be achieved only if everyone duly conforms to the authority of the Rule and no one gives way to self-will be deviating from it. (From para. 2 of Ch. 3 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
These words call me to re-commit myself to the authority of the Rule, that ancient sixth-century guide for rustic Italian monks living radically in the midst of political and cultural chaos. For me, the authority of the Rule is its potency as a living document, one that can be made real in my life, to what is required to transform the ego, to love and live with others, and to seek God.
"Do everything with counsel, and you will not repent when you have done it" (Eccles. 32:24). Such a beautiful reminder to always seek counsel in everything I do... First in prayer, in the silence of my heart the Lord speaks. And second to my fellow Human being, by learning to listen well... counsel will never be wanting.
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