Chapter 3: Calling the community together for consultation (paragraphs 2-3)

Such an ideal can be achieved only if everyone duly conforms to the authority of the Rule and no one gives way to self-will be deviating from it. (From para. 2 of Ch. 3 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

These words call me to re-commit myself to the authority of the Rule, that ancient sixth-century guide for rustic Italian monks living radically in the midst of political and cultural chaos. For me, the authority of the Rule is its potency as a living document, one that can be made real in my life, to what is required to transform the ego, to love and live with others, and to seek God.

Chapter 3: Calling the community together for consultation (paragraph 1)

The community themselves should be careful to offer their advice with due deference and respect, avoiding an obstinate defence of their own convictions.  (From para. 1 of Ch. 3 of St. Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

St Benedicts reminds me of the violence that can be done with words, an aggression that precludes selfless attention, and makes listening impossible.

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 8-9)

It is above all important that monastic superiors should not underrate or think lightly of the salvation of the souls committed to them by giving too much attention to transient affairs of this world which have no lasting value. (From para. 8 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

Seeing that of God in someone requires of me nothing less than selfless, undistracted attention.

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraph 7)

[The abbot or abbess] should reflect on what a difficult demanding task they have accepted, namely that of guiding souls and serving the needs of so many different characters; gentle encouragement will be needed for one, strong rebukes for another, rational persuasion for another, according to the character and intelligence of each. (From Ch. 2 of St. Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

What this paragraph says to me more than anything else is that I am both unique and that I share a common humanity. Wherever I am, whatever my role, there is uniqueness and unity to be seen in each person, and this is how relationships can become transformational.

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 5-6)

They should make their own the different ways of teaching which the Apostle Paul recommended to Timothy when he told him to make use of criticism, of entreaty and of rebuke. Thus in adapting to changing circumstances they should use now the encouragement of a loving parent and now the threats of a harsh disciplinarian. (From  para. 5 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Paul's list of teaching styles doesn't seem spot on for me. Even taking into consideration the necessity at times for "tough love", it seems to me that "criticism, entreaty, rebuke" could easily reflect my impulse for control more than respect for the other. Control can even take the guise of love. I think that what will lead me to appropriate responses is a habit of deep listening.

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraph 4)

[The abbot or abbess] should not select for special treatment any individual in the monastery. They should not love one more than another unless it is for good observance of the Rule and obedience. (From para. 4 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

In my life, I see that it's not wise to elevate anyone in a group by giving them special treatment. But, I also see, and welcome, times of special resonance with another, a unique spiritual friendship. May I learn to respond in a balanced way to both these situations, with the priority of seeing that of God in everyone.

Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraph 3)

Any, then, who accept the name of abbot or abbess should give a lead to their disciples by two distinct methods of teaching -- by the example of the lives they lead (and that is the most important way) and by the words they use in their teaching. (From para. 3 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I may not often be in positions of authority, but I am always called to be authentic. Meditation helps me to be authentic, my true Self, one with my Source -- one with a divine energy source that can leap from my heart to the heart of another.