Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraphs 19-20)
The humility of their hearts should be apparent by their bodily movements to all who see them. [...] Good habit and delight in virtue will carry us along. (From paras. 19-20 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
Just as stillness is a sacrament of presence, so is movement an emanation of the quality of my heart. What happens when I stop hurrying, or pay attention to the ask in my hands, or take time to embrace another in greeting? What happens when I look upon "physical fitness" as a fitness to be ready to serve? Good habit, primarily the practice of meditation, integrates my heart and body, and carries me along.
ReplyDelete"Whether sitting, walking or standing, our heads must be bowed and our eyes cast down. Judging ourselves always guilty on account of our sins . . . ". "What?! What a downer" my gut wants to protest. "I have spent a lifetime working on improving my self-esteem." I live, as Joan Chittister reminds me, " . . . in a culture given to straight-shouldered, steady-eyed self-esteem?" Through Benedict today you remind me, however, Abba, that the secret doorway to you and to life and to genuine self-esteem requires that I stoop and turn and become little, a little one, your child.