Contributing to Community Counsel

In the third chapter of the Rule, Benedict discusses the need to take counsel with all the members of the community.  Having said that all community members are to be heard, Benedict reminds us of how each person is to participate in that conversation.

“In all things, therefore, let all follow the Rule as guide, and let no one be so rash as to deviate from it.  Let no one in the monastery follow his own heart’s fancy.”  (Chapter 3: Summoning the community for counsel)

We live in a culture that is often both self-centered and impulsive.  But in this chapter Benedict waves a cautionary flag about both of those qualities in life.  He says take the time for counsel, and consider your approach to the discussion.

In our culture of individuality, we need to pause and think a little about what it means not to “follow his own heart’s fancy.”  Our culture might talk in psychological terms about narcissism defined as ‘extreme selfishness, a craving for admiration.’ Or ‘Excessive interest in oneself.’

Benedict is calling us away from that individual focus.  He calls us to consider a balance of the needs of the community, rather than my own self-interest.  It is not about denying my personal gifts.  God gave each member of the community unique gifts.  Used properly those gifts will benefit the community.  Rather it is about being considerate of the larger community beyond myself. 

As we bring our individual contributions to life in community, I think we are protected and guided by four timeless concepts.

1. The larger community – It brings with it, both the wisdom of experience, and a specific set of needs, unique to this moment in time.
2. The Gospel- It is our example of Christ in the world, and our call to follow Christ.
3. The Abbott or Prioress –We must give respect and consideration for those bringing the experience, and bearing the burden, of leadership responsibility.
4. The Rule of Benedict – It is a timeless guide protecting us from the fluctuations of current fads in all our decisions.

 

So today I ask a series of questions that seem to apply to most situations.

• Are my actions and desires consistent with the guide of the Rule of Benedict?
• Are they consistent with the Gospel?
• Have I considered whether the timing of my desire is the best?
• Am I listening to the wisdom of the experience of the community over time?
• Who will benefit from what I bring to the discussion?
• Am I speaking and acting in a way that is respectful of the Abbot or Prioress and the years of experience that he or she brings to the conversation? 
• Am I mindful of the burden of responsibility for the community that comes with a given position of leadership?

 

Falling Down and Getting Up

Am I the only one who is tempted to believe, or pretend, that 'Real Benedictines' don't fall in their attempts to create a prayerful rhythm of life?

Recently I heard a vowed Benedictine speak at a conference.  She had more than 50 years of experience living in Benedictine community. You know the kind of person I'm talking about. She radiates hospitality, calm, listening, prayer, and contentment. Yet she stated openly, that in following the rule, she just "falls down and gets back up, and starts again."

Hearing her say this really helped me.  Now I'm less discouraged when I stumble over my own efforts to develop a new practice, and find myself flat on my face. 

Yet, while I'm lying on the ground, trying to figure out what happened, and  how I can get up and begin again, I am still tempted to believe that I am the only one tripping over a new practice.... or a principle, or a value....

Perhaps that is one reason that Benedict tells us to live in community.  In those times when I am struggling not to live in a state of  'continual rushing,' it helps me to hear that someone else has struggled too.  And they found some insights to make it a manageable struggle.

In  community, we can appreciate and celebrate our successes, and our insights about the  Benedictine life.  And we can tell each other the truth when we're not so sure, or when we fall flat on our faces.  As for the getting back up part?...  In community we give each other a 'hand-up'.   Sometimes a subtle new perspective on God's presence in our lives, can change everything.

I had another one of those subtle, yet life changing moments this weekend.  

Thanks to two sentences from an Oblate friend of mine.   

I was reminded that, "I am not the shepherd."  "I am the sheep." 

It is a simple, seemingly obvious observation about the Gospel reading.  

Yet, that conscious shift in perspective makes all the difference. 

So today I ask you, "What is  your latest awareness of Benedictine insight?"

Or "What haven't you figured out yet?"  

"Who provides community support for you in this?" 

"Where do you find your community?"

 

Blessings,

Deanne