Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 17)

The tenth step of humility teaches us that we should not be given to empty laughter on eatery least occasion because: a fool's voice is forever raised in laughter. (From para. 17 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I think that empty laughter has a loud and hollow sound, and points to the isolated ego. Laughter that is full of joy leaps from heart to heart, and creates community.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 15)

The ninth step of humility leads us to refrain from unnecessary speech and to guard our silence by not speaking until we are addressed. (From para. 9 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

When is speech unnecessary? Surely, it seems to me, the answer must depend on circumstances, and yet I think there is a general principle to consider: Speech is unnecessary when it gets in the way of a greater love.

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 Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

From meditation, I've learned this: A blow to my ego can "reset" my patience and give me an opportunity to un-attach, allowing me to realign with my True Self.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 13)

The sixth step of humility for monks or nuns is to accept without complaint really wretched and inadequate conditions so that when faced with a task of any kind they would think of themselves as poor workers not worthy of consideration and repeat to God the verse of the psalm: I am of no account and lack understanding, no better than a beast in your sight. Yet I am always in your presence. (Para. 13 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

This paragraph reminds me that my ideas about where I am or what I'm doing can always be transformed into the experience of being in love with the One who sustains me.

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.)

The spirit of humble confession helps to dissolve my false self. It makes me more transparent. It makes me less susceptible to self-deception and depression.

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 impositions which are unjust. (From para. 10 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

At first, this sounds to me like poor mental health information. But what does this teaching really mean to me? I believe it means that in any situation, the locus of control is in God's love in my heart. I can see opportunities to learn patience and detachment, and to stay rooted in reality.

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.)

For me, this is an absolute directive to listen, not to my will, nor even to my ideas about what I think is right, but to the Teacher Within, and thus to learn the way.