Chapter 34: Fair provision for the needs of all
The principle from Scripture should be established in the monastery, namely that distribution was made to each in accordance with their needs. . . . [This] should simply be a way of showing proper consideration for needs arising from individual weakness. . . . In that way all in the community will be at peace with each other.
(From Chapter 34 of Saint Benedict's Rule.)
(From Chapter 34 of Saint Benedict's Rule.)
I'm struck by the simplicity of the message: by acknowledging our true needs, we invite the Spirit, and we can be at peace with each other. But first, to participate in Benedict's vision of community, I must be at peace with myself. This means I must accept my own weaknesses, and entrust them to the Spirit for its creative action.
We all have basic needs which are necessary for life,and self-preservation. Going a step beyond that and the reason I chose this way of meditation and the Benedictine way is the need for a personal relationship with God. As the fulfillment of that need becomes foremost, it acts as a filter for everything else-for relationships with others and the environment, and with what material things are necessary to help develop that personal God-relationship and relationship with others. How easy it is to slip into that "I gotta have it" mentality which when given into does not bring internal peace at all.
ReplyDelete