" . . . the Abbot's foresight shall decide on this.
Thus it is that he should adapt and arrange everything
in such a way that souls may be saved
and that the brethren may do their work without just cause for murmuring."
"If you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea."
Mark 9: 42
I hear a similar teaching in this passage from the Gospel and the above quote from chapter 41. We are each given to care for the spiritual well-being of all with whom we are in relationship, and the choices we make in our relationships are to serve in clearing the way for the Work of Grace. When we ignore this responsibility in favor of small-minded self-interest, we contribute to the proliferation of obstacles in the paths of those for whom God has called us to care.
Br. Chad
Abbot John of St. John's Abbey was always an inspiration to me in this regard. He was and is a strong, gentle leader to his community.
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