Monday, February 26, 2018

Chapter 21: The deans of the monastery


If any of the deans are affected by some breath of pride which lays them open to adverse criticism, they should be corrected once or twice or even three times. (From para. 2 of Ch. 21 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The breath is something close and consistent and invisible. "Breath of pride" reminds me that egoism can insinuate its way into anything, even contorting what should be service into power over others.

1 comment:

  1. "Let them be chosen not by rank
    but according to their worthiness of life
    and the wisdom of their doctrine." Not what I have but with who I am that you choose me oh Lord.

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