Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 16)

The ninth step of humility leads us to refrain from unnecessary speech and to guard our silence by not speaking till addressed. (From para. 16 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Before I speak, I can check my intentions: is there reaction, resentment, or perhaps an attempt to control another, in my words? That pause can become a holy pause in which I make sure my words come from a compassionate heart.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 15)

The eighth step of humility teaches us to do nothing which goes beyond what is approved and encouraged by the common rule of the monastery and the example of our seniors. (Para. 8 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Here I read that respect for tradition is balanced by the innovative nature of the Spirit that is grounded in God.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 14)

In the end we may learn to say: it was good for me, Lord, that  you humbled me so that I might learn your precepts. (From para. 14 of Ch. 7 of  Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I can feel a blow to my ego, especially as I become more aware of my thoughts and how they reflect my self-centered view of the world.  Little by little,  my awareness of these "blows" is waking me up to reality, to creation as ordered by God.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 13)

Yet I am always in your presence. (From para. 13 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I can evaluate my conditions from an ego-centered point of view, or as one who dwells in God's loving attention to all of creation.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 12)

The fifth step of humility is that we should not cover up but humbly confess to our superior or spiritual guide whatever evil thoughts come into our minds and the evil deeds we have done in secret. (From para. 12 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Saint Benedict encourages me towards transparency, a poverty of spirit.  He asks me to recognize what clouds my relationship to myself, to God, to others, to acknowledge these faults to others as appropriate, and to accept forgiveness.  This is a practical lesson I learn from letting go of distractions in meditation.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraphs 10-11)

The fourth step of humility is to go even further than this by readily accepting in patient and silent endurance, without thought of giving up or avoiding the issue, any hard and demanding things that may come our way in the course of that obedience, even if they include harsh impositionss which are unjust. (From para. 10 of Ch. 7. of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I think there's a lesson for me in family and community living in Benedict's words.  Perhaps I should understand "readily accepting in patient and silent endurance" as "being patient enough to return to my silent source".  If I respond to the hard demands of relationships this way,  I may be able to respond positively, in the spirit of peace.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 9)

The third step of humility is to submit oneself out of love of God to whatever obedience under a superior may require of us; it is the example of the Lord himself that we follow in this way, as we know from St Paul's words: he was made obedient even unto death. (Para. 9 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Such total obedience can be hard for me to understand, or apply, as I don't live directly under a "superior".  But I can understand living in loving responsiveness to the Spirit of God that animates all creatures, all creation.