June 7

Chapter 7 pt. 13

The Rule of Benedict June 7

I perceive the ninth step of humility to be Benedict's way of weaning us from the belief that our daily circumstances stand in need of our uninvited interpretations and solutions.  By keeping silent until addressed, we cultivate the capacity to be truly hospitable and open to reality on God's terms instead of our own.


I am currently being taught that this is especially true with respect to speaking in order to get myself out of unflattering light.  I am learning to trust that my truest interest is served in silence when others' negative regard, real or imagined, is upon me.