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 distorting what should be service into power over others.
The breath is something close and consistent and invisible. "Breath of pride" reminds me that egoism can insinuate its way into anything, even distorting what should be service into power over others.
The arrogance of my low self esteem comes to mind here, Abba. Putting myself down comes as much from my puffed-up pride as my self-centered self promotion. Enable me today to let You exercise your sense of humor, Father, by using the funny creature that is me to demonstrate your power and your love.
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