In the monastery no one is to follow his own heart’s desire…(RB 3.8 )
Well, that sounds like a deal-breaker! What kind of lifestyle is this?
Remembering that this admonition comes in the chapter entitled “Summoning the Community for Counsel” we keep in mind that Benedict here is writing about the community sharing advice about a decision concerning the whole community. In these circumstances, a community member is obliged to consider the good of the whole community over what her own preferences may be. That may be difficult, especially when it is something which may “hit close to home” for an individual or group within the community. For example, the community question may concern taking on a new ministry which may affect me personally. Or the question may be around remodeling the monastery and it may mean I have to give up some personal space for the good of the bigger project.
These moments of dying to oneself are difficult and do occasionally come to all living monastic life. The beauty is the moment when one understands that the “sacrifice” may just be another blessing in disguise.
Sr. Christine
Well, that sounds like a deal-breaker! What kind of lifestyle is this?
Remembering that this admonition comes in the chapter entitled “Summoning the Community for Counsel” we keep in mind that Benedict here is writing about the community sharing advice about a decision concerning the whole community. In these circumstances, a community member is obliged to consider the good of the whole community over what her own preferences may be. That may be difficult, especially when it is something which may “hit close to home” for an individual or group within the community. For example, the community question may concern taking on a new ministry which may affect me personally. Or the question may be around remodeling the monastery and it may mean I have to give up some personal space for the good of the bigger project.
These moments of dying to oneself are difficult and do occasionally come to all living monastic life. The beauty is the moment when one understands that the “sacrifice” may just be another blessing in disguise.
Sr. Christine
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