Chapter 73: This Rule is only a beginning

We, however, can only blush with shame when we reflect on the negligence and inadequacy of the monastic lives we lead. (From para. 1 of Ch. 73 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I think my negligence and inadequacy would cause me to give up, if I hadn't experienced, over time, the grace of finding God hidden within my weaknesses.  Surely this grace must be one of the fruits of meditation.

Chapter 72: The good spirit which should inspire monastic life

But equally there is a good spirit which frees us from evil ways and brings us closer to God and eternal life. (From para. 1 of Ch. 72 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The experience of zealousness can mislead me. But if I'm willing I can tell the difference between compulsion and the "good spirit".  I know the good spirit by the quality of freedom and closeness to God it brings.

Chapter 71: Mutual obedience in the monastery

Any monk or nun who is corrected for anything by abbot or abbess or one of the seniors and perceives that the senior is upset by feelings of anger, even though they may be well in control, then that junior should at once prostrate on the ground in contrition and not move until the senior gives a blessing which will heal the upset. (From Ch. 71 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Too often I get caught up in proving a point about who's right or wrong. What matters is being kind to each other, and moving on.

Chapter 70: The offence of striking another

Every occasion for presumptuous behaviour in a monastery must be avoided, so we insist that no one in the community may excommunicate or strike another unless given the power to do so by the superior. (From Ch. 70 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Presumptiveness and the desire to control flare from my ego. But my spirit moves tenderly.

Chapter 69: No one should act as advocate for another

Great care must be taken to avoid any tendency for one of the community to take the side of and try to protect another, even though they may be closely related through ties of blood. (From Ch. 69 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I can't change another person, nor should I try to protect another from the inward growth he or she needs to do. But I can respect the conditions needed for growth.

Chapter 68: The response to orders that seem impossible

If the superior after listening to this submission still insists on the original command, then the junior must accept that it is the right thing and with loving confidence in the help of God obey. (From Ch. 68 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. By Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

In facing an impossible situation, obedience seems very much like faith to me.  I learn both in trusting the mantra to lead me to find God in my weak and vulnerable places.

Chapter 67: Those who are sent on a journey

Those who are sent on a journey should commend themselves to the prayers of the community as well as of the superior and, at the last prayer of the work of God in the oratory, there should always be a memento of all who may be absent. (From Ch. 67 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. By Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.) 

The mantra, like a memento left in the oratory, guards my heart and always brings me back to my work of seeking God.