Embark on a spiritual journey with this monthly devotional series on the Rule of Saint Benedict. Let’s walk this path together to everlasting life.
Chapter 2.11-15
| Furthermore, anyone who receives the name of abbot is to lead his disciples by a twofold teaching: he must point out to them all that is good and holy more by example than by words, proposing the commandments of the Lord to receptive disciples with words, but demonstrating God’s instructions to the stubborn and the dull by a living example. Again, if he teaches his disciples that something is not to be done then neither must he do it, lest after preaching to others, he himself be found reprobate (1 Cor 9:27) and God some day call to him in his sin: How is it that you repeat my just commands and mouth my covenant when you hate discipline and toss my words behind you (Ps 49[50]:16-17)? And also this: How is it that you can see a splinter in your brother’s eye, and never notice the plank in your own (Matt 7:3)? |
Commentary
God calls us to work and serve others. Leading a life of Christian example has greater reward than simply giving a lot of commands. It is God who shapes the way we lead others, using our hands in his service.
To serve others is to genufelct before the living God at every moment, making ourselves readily available. This availability flows from being deeply rooted in the Word, allowing scripture to mold our hearts and suppress ego from our decision making and labor. We must strive eagerly for our own conversion before we speak to others about theirs. Anyone can say anything at any time, but our words carry authentic worth when grounded on the firm foundation of silence and prayer.
Prayer
O Patient God, the Psalms declare the thoughts of my heart, “How sweet to my tongue is your promise, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I gain understanding; therefore I hate all false ways” (Psalm 119:103-104). Let your Word form my heart so that I may love you completely. Amen.
Enlarge my heart 
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