Rule Of Benedict 50

April 10, 2010

7 is the chapter the Rule elaborates on living humbly with God and others. Verses 35-38 address the fourth step on humility: quiet obedience and acceptance of life in spite of hardships.

The fourth step of humility is that if in this very obedience hard and contrary things, even injuries, are done to him, he embraces them patiently with silent acceptance, and does not grow weary to give in, as the Scripture says: He who perseveres to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10:22). And again: Let you heart take courage, and wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14). And showing how the faithful ought to bear all things, however contradictory, for the Lord, [the Scripture] says in the person of the afflicted: For you we suffer death all day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter (Romans 8:36; Psalm 44:22).

Paul says in Philippians “do all things without grumbling”. I may grit my teeth and obey. I may obey dutifully but attitudinally inwardly be rebellious. I may think myself obedient when truly I’m indifferent.

Deep commitment to Christ is not obtained in life’s peaks but in the mire of life’s troughs. Our love is deepened in the troughs and our love motivates our going further along the road less traveled among many of us today: The Way of the Cross.

Prayer: Dare I ask you for perseverance and endurance? Shall I enter willingly into sufferings (mine and yours to complete), denial, and crucifixion? Is there no other way? Narrow is the way and few there be who find it. Lead me on this way though my ego be killed. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God who knows the way of grief and suffering, shame and abandonment, have mercy on me.

Posted by georges boujakly | Filed Under Humility, St Benedict's Rule 

Comments

Got something to say?





Why A Missional Order?

This site exists for two big-picture reasons. On the one hand, we want to counteract some negative trends that are prevalent in society today. Call that our combative side. More important, we think that the missional approach will help us capture the positive dynamics that Jesus wants to be part of every life.
Continue reading »

What Is A Missional Order?

Think of it as a dispersed group of people who unite with each other to pursue three common commitments:

1) Punctuate each day with a rhythm that is sacred. 2) Exert ourselves in the continuous formation of character.

3) Participate in the missio Dei, the mission of God.
Continue reading »

Latest Blog Posts