Chapter 2 pt. 3
The Rule of Benedict January 11
Very little adjustment is needed in order for this paragraph to apply directly to our context. The Prior's life is to be an example for the order of a good life lived in obedience to Christ. Any instructions he gives must flow from his manner of life, which itself flows from the teachings of the Lord who will not be fooled by the smooth words of a disobedient heart.
Gil gave a sermon a while ago about obedience and who we are to be obedient to. He talked about following those who are themselves "willing servants," and that's what I thought about when I read the rule and sister Joan's commentary today.
ReplyDeleteI am a proud person and resentful of authority, and this has gotten in my way more than once. I was talking to Chris after Gil's sermon and remarked how relevant it was to me school context. Most professors, it seems to me, are jealous of their privilege and authority. They don't want you to ask too much of them or too many questions that they perceive to threaten their hold on their material (which in history is crazy - who really has a grasp on any of that??). I find myself resenting them and resenting the work they make me do. But I am fortunate in that my adviser is an exception to this. Not only does she appreciate creativity, she works SO HARD for ALL of her students. She is thorough, prompt, and challenging. I would do anything she asked of me.
This line from Sr. Joan stuck out to me today:
ReplyDelete"To hold people under us to a law that we ourselves have no intention of respecting is to make of mockery of what we ask."
I, too, have experienced leadership that seeks to advance the self-interest of those who lead at the expense of those who are lead. Tie that to religion, and you get exactly that for which Jesus reserved his harshest words of condemnation.
Thanks, Ruth, for your thoughts.