WCCM Benedictine Oblates are encouraged to read a designated portion of the Rule daily, and to write a brief, personal response. I hope that this blog will support our Oblate community in this practice. Please, keep blog entries brief and in a first-person ("I") voice. Refrain from discussing, offering an opinion, or commenting on other entries. Simply consider how a particular section of the Rule is speaking to you in your present circumstances.
“Since their lack of strength must always be taken into account…they should be treated with kindly consideration.” Those words, “kindly consideration” take on more meaning from the first sentence of this chapter with the word “compassionate”.
In that word, “compassionate” there are underlying currents of listening, understanding and “putting into practice”what has been heard which are called for in The Prologue.
When I am able to listen to those closest to me and hear their pain, and longing for understanding, and relay to them that I have heard through some form of response which can be as small as an affirmative, “yes” there is a break in the wall in which they have enclosed themselves. I know this because of what has happened to me when I was in pain. When someone looks at me and respects what I am feeling and struggling with and responds in a way that acknowledges what I am going through, I am freed. I feel a relief and a joy. The burden is lifted. This same response I wish to give to others.
I pray that I may always “listen carefully,… with the ear of my heart” (Prologue 1)to God, to self and to my brothers and sisters whether spouse, children, grandchildren or friends.
“Since their lack of strength must always be taken into account…they should be treated with kindly consideration.” Those words, “kindly consideration” take on more meaning from the first sentence of this chapter with the word “compassionate”.
ReplyDeleteIn that word, “compassionate” there are underlying currents of listening, understanding and “putting into practice”what has been heard which are called for in The Prologue.
When I am able to listen to those closest to me and hear their pain, and longing for understanding, and relay to them that I have heard through some form of response which can be as small as an affirmative, “yes” there is a break in the wall in which they have enclosed themselves. I know this because of what has happened to me when I was in pain. When someone looks at me and respects what I am feeling and struggling with and responds in a way that acknowledges what I am going through, I am freed. I feel a relief and a joy. The burden is lifted. This same response I wish to give to others.
I pray that I may always “listen carefully,… with the ear of my heart” (Prologue 1)to God, to self and to my brothers and sisters whether spouse, children, grandchildren or friends.