Tuesday, August 26, 2008

RB Reflection: 26 August 2008

Chapter 68. Assignment of Impossible Tasks to a Brother

A brother may be assigned a burdensome task or something he cannot do. If so, he should, with complete gentleness and obedience, accept the order given him. Should he see, however, that the weight of the burden is altogether too much for his strength, then he should choose the appropriate moment and explain patiently to his superior the reasons why he cannot perform the task. This he ought to do without pride, obstinacy or refusal. If after the explanation the superior is still determined to hold to his original order, then the junior must recognize that this is best for him. Trusting in God's help, he must in love obey.

We have seen in other parts of the rule that sons peasant and sons of noblemen were both allowed to become monks. You tell a nobleman's son to dig a hole and he is going to say "a nobleman does not do physical labor." You tell the son of a peasant to study this book, and he might say, "I cannot read." In both cases the abbot is likely to say, "do it anyway." The intention being clear, learn to work, and learn to read.

Okay, that for the Dark Ages, what about now with the LCG. What about the most shy member of a group, who also happens to be the one with the most advanced spiritual outlook, asked to give a speech at one of our gatherings. They might say, "Oh, I can't do that, I'm too shy." The leader might respond, "Yes, you can do that because you have the most to share and it needs to be shared."

Another example might be the one with a high opinion of his/herself being told to take on a duty that is very lowly. "But you are wasting my high abilities!" And they may be answered, "but you are serving Christ in your community." We are always challenged by this charism which has come to us, to change our ways, our attitudes, our cherished stands on certain things. In the end, we must obey, whether we like it or not. Benedict says nothing about having to like it. Just trust in God's help and do it.

May God bring us altogether to everlasting life.



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