Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 17)

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

The adjectives here are important: "empty" laughter, and "every least" occasion. There's nothing wrong with laughter, but like any other authentic expression I strive for, my laughter should be full of heart, integral with myself, and appropriate, mostly.

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 until we are addressed. (From para. 16 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The meaning of unnecessary speech has come to include, for me, the wishing, chattering, complaining monologue of my mind. Outside my studio, blizzard is piled on top of blizzard, sending ice melt into old houses and making travel difficult for those on the go. I'm struck that heavy snow creates a lot of work and hardship and danger, and yet this morning, in the soft clear light, I walked appreciatively through a path of crunchy snow and heard, with each bootfall, the snow talking back to me. My mind was silent enough to hear that the snow was grateful that I was gazing on it with love!

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.)

This has the sound of a regulation that prohibits personal initiative, an important quality in "personal empowerment" and other values of our culture. But as I consider Benedict's teaching, I realize that personal initiative is not the point. Benedict is talking about my respect of tradition and the guidance of elders, until my heart is selfless enough to embrace the community (and all of creation) in my actions, and not just look out for myself.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 14)

I was raised up high in honour, but then I was humbled and overwhelmed with confusion. 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 shouldn't be surprised that confusion can come with transformation. That confusion can result when my ego gets jolted by reality, if I'm sincere about wanting to be alive in God. I shouldn't be surprised that confusion can be a sign of the possibility for growth, when my own dreams and illusions get knocked down, and space opens up for love and light.

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.)

I would rewrite this paragraph to say that the sixth step of humility for me is to allow meditation to burn away selfish concern, to sharpen my vision of reality through the practice of selfless attention, and to realize that God is present in every situation. Indeed, he is the living flame at the center of my soul.

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.)

This is a step of humility that tells me that I shouldn't allow myself to dwell in deceit and rationalization,  or be less than transparent in greeting life with an open heart. 

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.)

I can't accept that this means I should allow myself to become prey to another person's malevolent ego. But the central teaching that I see in Benedict's words is that I remain faithful to the "course of obedience" --  that I pierce through my own illusions and desire to control, that I grasp what is, that I know that I am lovable because I am loved by God, and that together we can forge diamonds from what is rough.