RB Reflection: 9 & 10 June 2008

Today is the Rule for Feb. 7 - June 8 - Oct. 8 and Feb. 8 - June 9 - Oct. 9

The tenth step of humility is that he is not given to ready laughter, for it is written: Only a fool raises his voice in laughter (Sir. 21.23)

The eleventh step of humility is that a monk speaks gently without laughter, seriously and with becoming modesty, briefly and reasonably, but without raising his voice, as it is written: "A wise man is known by his few words."

I have to admit there are times when it appears that Benedict was one grouchy old man. As always though Benedict is hiding a greater truth that our 21st Century eyes have trouble seeing. Have you ever been in a situation where someone laughs at the misery of others? There is a television show called Cheaters. In that show they take a man or woman to catch their significant other in the act of "cheating." Is that funny?

Or the show COPS. We see a criminal trying to get away and sometimes his efforts are almost humorous, yet to laugh are we not laughing at the pain of others? Some people will say, "they deserve it for being so stupid, or being a crook and getting caught." I call it, and I believe Benedict would call it, making money off the pain of others so we can laugh at them.

We can see humor in life, but is there a single comedian out there who will not say that they laugh in order to survive? Laughter often covers a deep pain in the clowns life. The opera Pagliacci is a perfect example. The clown has discovered that his wife is cheating with another member of their traveling show. As he puts on his makeup he sings the famous aria Vesti la Giuba, that culminates in Ridi Pagliaccio, which means laugh clown, laugh, while your heart is breaking.

Member of the Lay Cistercians must never be guilty of the laughter that comes from ill will, or at the stupid criminal, or at the joke that hurts someone else. There is humor in life, plenty of humor that allows us to laugh at our own foibles, and even laugh with others at their foibles. Life is serious business, and sometimes the humor in life is the perfect antidote for pain and suffering. We must make sure that we are never laughing at someone elses pain, and suffering.

As I look over today's reflection I realize that I am clearly NOT a man of few words. hehe. May the Lord bring us all to everlasting life.