Henceforth I worked no more alone despite / memories of bitterness, gall and slight…
Category Archives: Chapter 7-Humility
Hold Your Peace
The ninth step of humility is that a monk controls his tongue and remains silent. . . . for Scripture warns, In a flood of words you will not avoid sinning (Proverbs 10:19). [Rule of St. Benedict 7.56-58] When you get to the point of being able to hold your tongue, you know that the …
Forbear
In truth, those who are patient amid hardships and unjust treatment are fulfilling the Lord’s command: When struck on one cheek, they turn the other; when deprived of their coat, they offer their cloak also; when pressed into service for one mile, they go two [Matthew 5: 39-41]. (Rule of St. Benedict 7.42) If you had to …
Persevere
For Scripture has it: Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved, [Matthew 10:22]and again, Be brave of heart and rely on the Lord. [Psalm 27:14]. (Rule of St. Benedict 7.36-37) Discipline for a goal always was, and still is worth it. People with ordinary faces get up every day and keep going: for the sake …
Wise Up
Repent Definition If at all times the Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see whether any understand and seek God (Psalm 14:2)…After sparing us for a while because he is a loving father who waits for us to improve, he may tell us later, This you did, and I said nothing (Psalm 50:21). (Rule …
Curb Your Urge
For this reason Scripture warns us, Pursue not your lusts Sirach 18:30. (Rule of St. Benedict 7.25) We live in a culture where it’s supposed to be fun to let yourself go. People announce that they’re about to let themselves go, and then they do it. Not only do they not feel shame: they expect you …
Eat Your Vegetables
Raising Kids …we must be vigilant every hour… (Rule of St. Benedict 7.29) The kid who is old enough to chew solid food will also be smart enough to realize that you’re cooking peas with his pasta. He’s willful enough to feel insulted. He’s passionate enough to throw a screaming fit. Because you’re a Christian …
Beware Fatal Attraction
Rage Definition We must then be on guard against any base desire, because death is stationed near the gateway of pleasure. (Rule of St. Benedict 7.24) Last week a man identified himself with death and stationed himself at the gateway of pleasure to deal it out. This was not a Kenny Rogers kind of …
Align Your Will With God’s Will
Scripture tells us: Turn away from your desires Sirach 18:30. And in the Prayer too we ask God that his will be done in us Matthew 6:10. We are rightly taught not to do our own will, since we dread what Scripture says: There are ways which men call right that in the end plunge into the depths …
Yield Your Imagination
Our thoughts are always present to God… God searches hearts and minds Psalm 7:10…. The Lord knows the thoughts of men Psalm 94:11…. From afar you know my thoughts Psalm 139:2…. That he may take care to avoid sinful thoughts, the virtuous brother must always say to himself: I shall be blameless in his sight if I …