RB Reflections, Guest Commentator, Barry Cappleman

RB 2.30-32. May 15, 2008 RB Reflection

The Abbot should always remember what he is
and what he is called,
and should know that to whom more is committed,
from him more is required (Luke 12:48).
Let him understand also
what a difficult and arduous task he has undertaken:
ruling souls and adapting himself to a variety of characters.
One he must coax, another scold, another persuade,
according to each one's character and understanding.
Thus he must adjust and adapt himself to all
in such a way that he may not only suffer no loss
in the flock committed to his care,
but may even rejoice in the increase of a good flock.

(Written April 29, 2008, at the Abbey of Gethsemani) As I sit here at the Abbey on the day of abbatial elections, I imagine that this and other parts of the Rule are being read to the monks present. I suspect there is much anticipation in electing a new abbot and what changes this new abbot may bring.

I also imagine that whoever is elected the new abbot will have a mixture of feelings, such as being honored by his fellow monks and a bit of fear and trepidation at such a daunting task which he has ahead of him.

While the Rule mentions “the abbot must always remember what he is and remember what he is called,” it also behooves us to remember the same things. We are children of God and we are called to the various ministries assigned to us by God. We are called to be members of the church so that we may contribute to the body of Christ. We are called to be LCGers so that we may contribute to the kingdom of God through every part of our lives. These callings of God should make us tremble to our knees so as to humble us and ask God to forgive us for our pride and give us grace to fulfill our callings.

The calling of the abbot and our own requires us to adapt the way we minister to others and ourselves. God in Christ made each of us unique. One size does not fit all. When ministering to others, one starts where the person being ministered to is at. To do this, one must put away one’s own agenda and allow God to direct his/her minds and her/his words. (In other words, make sure that I am trying to meet the other’s needs and not my own.) We must be prepared at all times to encounter people in need and be able to address that need in accordance with God’s plan. What better way to be prepared than to engage in spiritual readings, prayer and follow the LCG Plan of Life.

Blessing and wisdom from God in Christ upon Father Elias and all those he leads.