Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 8)

The second step of humility is not to love having our own way nor to delight in our own desires. (From para. 8 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I can experience a certain tentative happiness when conditions are as I like. But I experience joy when I realize when my heart is animated by the Spirit, and thus I experience joy in the Spirit's animation of others.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 7)

And so, if the eyes of the Lord are watching the good and the wicked, and if at all times the Lord looks down from heaven on the sons and daughters of men to see if any show understanding in seeking God, and if the angels assigned to care for us report our deeds to the Lord day and night, we must be on our guard every hour or else, as the psalmist says, the time may come when God will observe us falling into evil and so made worthless. (From para. 7 of Ch.7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Such a busy cycle of watching, reporting, being on my guard, yet what matters above all is showing understanding in seeking God. That's where I find meaning and purpose in my life, and experience the cycle that matters -- the cycle of being loved by God, and thus my being able to love.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 6)

As to pursuing our own will we are warned against that when scripture says to us: turn away from your own desires; and in the Lord's prayer itself we pray that his will may be brought to fulfillment in us. (From para. 6 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Meditation teaches me that God's will is to follow the most loving, attentive, redemptive path through any situation.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 5)

One who follows that way finds protection at all times from sin and vice of thought, of tongue, of hand, of foot, of self-will and of disordered sensual desire, so as to lead a life that is completely open before the scrutiny of God and of his Angels who watch over us from hour to hour. (From para. 5 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

To be scrutinized hour by hour sounds intrusive, till I experience how liberating St. Benedict means it to be. How can I experience intrusion if I am free from selfishness and disorder, if my being is transparent and true?

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 4)

The first step of humility is to cherish at all times the sense of awe with which we should turn to God. It should drive forgetfulness away...  (From para. 4 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The experience of forgetfulness that I think St. Benedict is talking about here, is a dullness or a defense against the mystery of human life. Coming alive involves vulnerability and pain ("the pain involved in all loving", as John Main observes) but is nothing less than learning to live in the presence of God.

Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraphs 1-3)

The word of God in scripture teaches us in clear and resounding terms that anyone who lays claim to a high position will be brought low and anyone who is modest in self-appraisal will be lifted up. (From para. 1 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The gravity of pride is great, it seems to me, and pulls me into a self-centered orbit. But when my spirit simply and spaciously refracts my Creator, I am liberated and truly myself.

Chapter 6: Cherishing silence in the monastery

I am guarded about the way I speak and have accepted silence in humility refraining even from words that are good. (From Ch. 6 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

As important as "good communication" is, I think it's also important to realize the inadequacies of human communication, and to bear some situations in a silent spirit of patience and kindness.