December 30

Chapter 72

The Rule of Benedict December 30

The first sentence of this chapter resonates with me today.  The evil zeal is bitterness, and it separates from God.  If our life's journey was represented on a map, the zeal of bitterness would point us in a the direction opposite of where we desire to travel.  Yet the good zeal points us precisely in the direction we desire to go--to our true home with God.

The difference between these two zeals is found in the depths of our inner life, at the intersection of our emotions, desires, and will.  Good zeal must be cultivated and grown within by our consistent effort and by Divine grace.  Evil zeal grows in the soil of our false self, that persistent foe who desires MY will, not God's.