Chapter 72 On the Good Zeal Which They Ought to HaveThis sounds like almost obvious advice. Perhaps, too obvious to merit our reflection? Yet, this entire rule has been written just so people may make that choice of zeal. We've been shown how to use good zeal.
Just as there is an evil zeal of bitterness
which separates from God and leads to hell,
so there is a good zeal
which separates from vices and leads to God
and to life everlasting.
This zeal, therefore, the sisters should practiceNow let's think about how this is the end of the instruction section of the rule. The next chapter is basically Benedict telling us to keep on the right path, and continue to grow in God. Yet what struck me is how this chapter sums up everything as Love. That is surely a Cistercian value we hold, even when it's not so easy to love the more unlovable person.
with the most fervent love.
Thus they should anticipate one another in honor (Rom. 12:10);
most patiently endure one another's infirmities,
whether of body or of character;
vie in paying obedience one to another --
no one following what she considers useful for herself,
but rather what benefits another;
tender the charity of sisterhood chastely;
fear God in love;
love their Abbess with a sincere and humble charity;
prefer nothing whatever to Christ.
And may He bring us all together to life everlasting!
When you get right down to it, if love is not at the root of your actions, then you have not the spirit of good zeal. If we look at the Cistercian writings we see that Love is a theme word for their entire order. Even they spend their lifetime trying to learn to love just each other in community, much less the wider world.
We as LCG as called to capital "L" Love in the secular world. A world where kindness is disappearing much less love. To truly be Lay Cistercian's of Gethsemani we must love in every action, and every project, in our thoughts, too, because God searches our hearts and minds.
Love in all things.
Peace
Steve
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