RB Reflection: 28 May 2008

Jan. 27-May 28-Sept. 27

Let him recall that he is always seen by God in heaven, that his actions everywhere are in God's sight and are reported by angels at every hour. The Prophet indicates this to us when he shows that our thoughts are always present to God, saying: God searches hearts and minds (Ps 7:10); again he says: The Lord knows the thoughts of men (Ps 93[94]:11); likewise, From afar you know my thoughts (Ps 138[139]:3); and, The thought of man shall give you praise (Ps 75[76]:11). That he may take care to avoid sinful thoughts, the virtuous brother must always say to himself: I shall be blameless in his sight if I guard myself from my own wickedness (Ps 17[18]:24).

"You can run but you can't hide." How useful a phrase that is, "you can run but you can't hide," when it comes to our life with God. It hearkens back to a few days ago where the rule discussed going about your duties with a cheerful heart, and not being a grouch harboring resentment. At that time the phrase I used was, "fake it till you make it."

A person who is paranoid would really hate today's reading, especially with Angels reporting on you every hour. Whether that is the case or not, it certainly does give us pause to think about how we do sin in our thoughts, and how those same thoughts sometimes cause us to go one step further, and sin in the deed.

The whole thing can be summed up as guarding the thoughts, or the old time term, Nepsis. It is guarding our thoughts as a spiritual practice. As Lay Cistercians living in the secular world, nepsis is of primary importance for us. It is a part of the asceticism, which is part of the Cistercian Charism that we seek to follow. Today's section of the rule speaks specifically to that need to watch our thoughts.

Fr. Michael Cassagram tells the Novices at Gethsemani that the "job of the monk is to stand at the door of his heart and watch his thoughts, and determine are they from God or from the Evil One." Can we do any better, or any more than that?