Chapter 13: Lauds on ordinary days (paragraph 2)
It is important that the celebration of Lauds and Vespers should never be concluded without the recitation by the superior of the whole of the Lord's prayer so that all may hear and attend to it. This is because of the harm that is often done in a community by the thorns of conflict which can arise. Bound by the very word of that prayer 'forgive us as we also forgive' they will be cleansed from the stain of such evil. (From para. 2 of Ch. 13 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
Seeing another's point of view, compassion, selflessness -- these, for me, are some of the rigorous components of forgiveness. Forgiveness is especially hard when the weaknesses of my own ego still want to wreak havoc in a situation. And, there is always more to learn about setting healthy boundaries in problematic relationships. But in both situations, meditation diminishes my self-centeredness and prepares the way for me to live in true harmony with others.
Seeing another's point of view, compassion, selflessness -- these, for me, are some of the rigorous components of forgiveness. Forgiveness is especially hard when the weaknesses of my own ego still want to wreak havoc in a situation. And, there is always more to learn about setting healthy boundaries in problematic relationships. But in both situations, meditation diminishes my self-centeredness and prepares the way for me to live in true harmony with others.
How insane of me to brood and ruminate over my past, even to wish I could change it, Abba. In your hands the story of my journey, including and maybe especially my sins and many, many mistakes, become a great treasure, a source of hope and healing and forgiveness for others in need of your mercy.
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