Rule of Benedict 37
August 4, 2009
Chapter 4 and verses 62-73.
Do not wish to be called holy before you are so; but first be holy, that you may also be truly called so. Daily fulfill by your deeds the commandments of God: love chastity; hate no-one; do not be jealous, nor give way to envy. Do not love strife. Flee from vainglory. Reverence your seniors; love your juniors. Pray for your enemies in the love of Christ. Make peace with your adversary before the setting of the sun.
These are sound biblical injunctions when it comes to living the Christian life in common with others, especially is a cloistered fashion! But these injunctions apply even when we live uncloistered lives; for the Christian life is never lived privately.
What strikes me here is the desire to be known as holy. Truth be told, many of us desire this. In our desire for it we may be tempted to hide things in our lives that make us look unholy, giving us the appearance of holiness but not the reality of holiness.
Another thought that keeps haunting me is the command to be holy. Does God expects my holiness? Does He not allow for my brokenness and foibles and sin? While God is unencumbered by the brokenness of sin, in His love )manifested as holiness, grace and mercy and other qualities) he accepts my weak holiness and strengthens me by his accepting love.
Prayer: Jesus, I hear of your holiness from those who eye-witnessed your life. I see you with my own eyes living in holiness in many around me. I witness your holy life in me. I aspire to your holiness. Perfection eludes me, but imperfection does not deter me from following hard after you. Amen. Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Comments
Got something to say?
-
Subscribe To MO
