The Rule of Saint Benedict, “the fourth step of humility.”
“The fourth step of humility is
that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions,
his heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or
seeking escape.” (RB 7:35-36)
Is there anyone among us who has not experienced difficult,
unfavorable or even unjust conditions in life? So maybe this part of the holy
Rule has something to say to all of us. I’d like to explore this part of the
Rule in the next few reflections.
For today, let us consider just one word: “quietly.” Why
does Benedict introduce the word “quietly” (tacite)? Isn’t it the case that at
least within our hearts, unfavorable circumstances evoke a lot of noise and protest?
Isn’t the word “quietly” counter-intuitive?
That shouldn’t be a surprise. Much spiritual teaching requires
that we look at thing from a completely different perspective than what we’re
used to.
But what does it mean for you or for me? How can we be quiet
about what causes the blood to boil and the blood pressure to rise? Or could it
be perhaps that the quiet is actually a remedy?
What do you make of this?
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