RB Reflection: 4 July 2008

Guest Comments by Barry Cappleman

RB: 27 REFLECTION- JULY 4, 2008

Let the Abbot show all care and concern towards offending brethren because "they that are in health need not a physician, but they that are sick" (Mt 9:12). Therefore, like a prudent physician he ought to use every opportunity to send consolers, namely, discreet elderly brethren, to console the wavering brother, as it were, in secret, and induce him to make humble satisfaction; and let them cheer him up "lest he be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow" (2 Cor 2:7); but, as the same Apostle saith, "confirm your charity towards him" (2 Cor 2:8); and let prayer be said for him by all.

The Abbot must take the utmost pains, and strive with all prudence and zeal, that none of the flock entrusted to him perish. For the Abbot must know that he has taken upon himself the care of infirm souls, not a despotism over the strong; and let him fear the threat of the Prophet wherein the Lord saith: "What ye saw to be fat, that ye took to yourselves, and what was diseased you threw away" (Ezek 34:3-4). And let him follow the loving example of the Good Shepherd, who, leaving the ninety-nine sheep on the mountains, went to seek the one that had gone astray, on whose weakness He had such pity, that He was pleased to lay it on His sacred shoulders and thus carry it back to the fold (cf Lk 15:5).

There is a saying in my faith denomination, “Don’t shoot the wounded.” I think that is what St Benedict is saying to us in this chapter. But we need to go one step further. We need to actually help treat the wounded back to health.

How does this apply to us as Lay Cistercians? I imagine all of us know someone who has fallen away from their faith and/or is in the midst of a very addicting and destructive lifestyle. We as Lay Cistercians are in some ways leaders in our faith groups. As leaders and co-workers with Christ, we are called by God to humbly help those who are wounded (see Galatians 6:1-5). However, we need to prepare to help others by prayer, scripture reading, public and private worship, constant self-examination, and becoming educated as lay people on ways to help others.

Saying to someone, “I will pray for you” is good and helpful as long as we do pray for that person. Saying to that person, I will pray for you” can also be a way of making ourselves feel better without having to get really involved in helping that person (See James 2:14-17).

Let us always pray and let us always be listening and looking to see how God will use us to help others and how God will further His kingdom by using us in the little things we do for others and for His glory.

Blessings to each one of you and all those you love.