At the end of this chapter, Benedict states that the place where all of these tools are to be employed is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community. Focusing on the concept of stability will bring us to a deeper understanding how the tools can be applied to all. There are two kinds of stability that can be examined--stability of place and stability of heart.
- Stability of place can be seen as staying in one location--similar to the concept of the enclosure. It involves physical presence. I show up for all required events.
- Stability of heart implies commitment and perseverence. I am ready to participate. I am fully engaged in all that happens around me. I am ready to stick around to see the fruits of my labor in this workshop.
One of the benefits of living with 20 other monastic women is that there are always plenty of live examples of all of the qualities mentioned in the Rule.
Sister Cabrini Boland is a wonderful model for us of stability of heart. At 91 years of age and after more than 70 years in our community, she is always an example of enthusiasm and wisdom. Recently, while wheeling Sr. Cabrini outside she asked to visit our St. Benedict statue and recited various passages from the Rule of St. Benedict. The ease with which she spoke these few short passages spoke of her long years of living the monastic way of life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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