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?

 

Conversation about Oblate Community

This last week my fellow Oblates amazed and encouraged me with a flurry of e-mails, several comments here, and some poll responses.  You Oblates have been generous, positive, honest, so open, and deeply thoughtful.  I value your insights and experience about building Ecumenical Benedictine Oblate community.  Your personal interests and preferences give worthwhile perspective.  You also offered invaluable knowledge about the technical and learning-style sides of this experiment. 

Thank You!!! 

There will be lots more follow-up work to do on all those comments and suggestions.

For today I begin here with  'a first tickler question.' This is for any and all who want to comment. 

 "What elements do you think are necessary to positive Ecumenical Benedictine community?"

Testing the Blog Concept for Benedictine Community

So you were invited to "Test the Blog Concept" with me.  Thank you for looking at this site.  I hope that we share an interest in Benedictine Community.  Living some distance from the monastery, I find it difficult to stay in touch with others who share my Benedictine intentions.

How do you think we might encourage each other?  

Are you interested in discussing the Rule?  

If so, then we might read selections from Joan Chittister's  web site.  The link is listed under "Some Links of Interest to Benedictines" in the left column of this blog.

I hope that we find a way to encourage one another in our daily ordinary lives.  I also hope that you will share your hopes about using this blog for connection, discussion, study, or  prayer.

About confidentiality and privacy.  Even though I can't find this site without the exact URL link, it is currently functionally open to anyone.  

The option exists to limit access to "up to 100 readers" and "100 authors" to make a private blog for a small reflection, prayer, or study group.  I welcome your comments on private verses public. 

So explore,  comment, subscribe, follow...and tell me what you think. 

Peace and Blessings,

Deanne Gibbs-Brown, Oblate S.B.

Lent 2009

Ash Wednesday seemed to arrive the day after New Year's Day.  It's arrival called me back to more regular prayer of the daily hours.  Along with reading the assigned lectionary readings.

Somehow praying Lauds or Morning Prayer draws out an immediate sense of connection to the community of faith worldwide.  I am reminded that others are stopping to pray in places around the world.  Some pray in groups, others in individual prayer.  Yet we are all part of this larger community of faith as we pray the hours.  This community reaches back over the centuries of history.  This community will reach forward beyond our own generation.

In reading (or praying) the Psalm or Gospel assigned for the day, I am challenged by ideas I did not choose or even expect.  Yet God speaks to me.  God calls me to consider concepts and experiences of faith outside my own.  In the Psalms I find the emotions of the faithful through the ages.  I am often comforted by the familiar feelings, challenged to consider those feelings outside my current experience, and called to more joy.  I am reminded that this life is not 'all about me.'  Or in these times, not about my current worries.  Yet, I am reminded how much God loves and cares for me, and for the larger community.

Dear God, help me to use this Lenten Season to draw into your presence daily, even repeatedly each day.  Help me learn to be more consciously aware of God's loving presence, by Easter than I was on Ash Wednesday.