RB Refelction: 10 June 2008

Feb. 9 - June 10 - Oct. 10

The Twelfth step of humility is that a monk always manifests humility in his bearing no less than in his heart, so that it is evident at the Work of God, in the oratory, the monastery or the garden, on a journey or in the field, or anywhere else. Whether he sits, walks or stands, his head must be bowed and his eyes cast down. Judging himself always guilty on account of his sins, he should consider that he is already at the fearful judgment, and constantly say in his heart what the publican in the Gospel said with downcast eyes: Lord, I am a sinner, not worthy to look up to heaven (Luke 18:13). And with the Prophet: I am bowed down and humbled in every way (Ps. 37[38]:7-9; Ps. 118[119]: 107).

Now, therefore, after ascending all these steps of humility, the monk will quickly arrive at that perfect love of God which casts out fear (I John 4:18). through this love, all that he once performed with dread, he will now begin to observe without effort, as though naturally, from habit, no longer out of fear of hell, but out of love for Christ, good habit and delight in virtue. All this the Lord will by the Holy Spirit graciously manifest in his workman now cleansed of vices and sins.

We started Chapter 7 on May 26th, and finish it today, June 10. Benedict had a lot to say about humility. At the same time we have to say that we have a lot to learn about humility. I agree with Sr. Joan Chittister OSB, "bowing and scraping have long been out of style." We live in a culture where high flying pride seems to be the only acceptable behavior. We are told that without a somewhat excessive pride, we are not being true to ourselves.

So we have to ask, which self are we talking about? We all know there is a real self, and a false self. All Lay Cistercians should be striving to live in the real self. In seeking our real selves we do not hold an exaggerated opinion of our own value (now where have we heard that before!), nor do we have an masochistic humility masquerading as true humility before the Lord.

Think, though, of the monks and nuns we encounter at the monasteries of our association. Do they not mostly keep their eyes to themselves, not glancing hither and yon, and especially not devouring with the eyes an object of lust? Can you say the same for yourself? Sometimes I can say it, sometimes I can't. This struggle with humility, real humility and not the sadomasochism we find in the pre Council Church, is a struggle we will have for the rest of our lives.

Really, the whole chapter can be summed up as have faith, act in love, don't hold grudges, obey without grouching about it, don't get uppity about how important you are, and for heaven sake guard your thoughts! And again, Guard Your Thoughts!

I beg you, my regular readers, do not expect wisdom from every reflection I write. I do this as Obedience to God. Sometimes I might have something good to say, other times I may have absolutely nothing of worth to say. The bottom line, though, is that I will continue to daily grind out these reflections, so long as you promise to have patience with my limited intellect, and even more limited interpretive powers. This is my humility before you.

May God bring us altogether to ever lasting life. Amen.