Chapter 72: On the Good Zeal Which They Ought to Have
Apr. 30 - Aug. 30 - Dec. 30
Just as there is an evil zeal of bitterness
which separates from God and leads to hell,
so there is a good zeal
which separates from vices and leads to God
and to life everlasting.
This zeal, therefore, the sisters should practice
with the most fervent love.
Thus they should anticipate one another in honor (Rom. 12:10);
most patiently endure one another's infirmities,
whether of body or of character;
vie in paying obedience one to another --
no one following what she considers useful for herself,
but rather what benefits another -- ;
tender the charity of sisterhood chastely;
fear God in love;
love their Abbess with a sincere and humble charity;
prefer nothing whatever to Christ.
And may He bring us all together to life everlasting!
Every person who comes into our lives is a gift from God. Some for a moment others for a life time, some for too short a time. Cherish; value each gift, each moment. I lost two friends not long ago. One who went to be with the Lord. One who just walked out of my life. How do I cope with loss? The realization that I was so very blessed with the gift I had from God of these two wonderful folks who came into my life for too short a time. I cherish each moment they were with me. May He bring us together in life everlasting.
As LCG members do we consider what benefits another? Must we have our way? Do we even really listen to the other? I love the Bridges to Contemplative Living Course I facilitate (actually all I am is the time keeper). Listening to what is said by the group members as we take our turns. Listening to this child of God He has so graciously placed in my life. A different life than mine. A different personality. A different expression of God creation. Listen without judging without asking a question or disagreeing or agreeing. They feed me. They bless me.
Listening to the prayer class giving feedback. What do you need now? One of the questions they answer each session. People so different from each other who come together in a union that can only be accomplished by the Spirit. They feed me. They bless me.
Can we hold a dying persons hand whom we love and don’t want to lose and say, “Go to Jesus, friend”? Do we do as God calls us to do in our relationships even though it hurts? Do we honor each other? Do we honor our differences? Do we allow another to have their way? Do we look beyond our provincialism? Do we prefer nothing, not husband, wife, mother, father, daughter, son or our sweetest friend, to the Love of Christ? Do we love Jesus more than having it our way?
Call me Mara Naomi said to Ruth. Mara the word for bitterness. An evil zeal of inward turning, which St Benedict warns separates us from God and leads to hell. Do we separate ourselves because our world isn’t our way? It isn’t God way either. He comes to save His world not condemn it. Can we follow in His steps? Can we reach to each other? Come together in the Love of Christ? As Lay Cistercians do we share the Love of Christ? If we do there is hope.
LCG Grandma
No comments:
Post a Comment