Chapter 61: Monastic pilgrims from far away (paragraphs 1-2)
It may happen, of course, that one of them may find something to point out in criticism about the customs of the monastery, using sound arguments in a spirit of charitable deference. In that case the superior should consider the whole questions with care and prudence in case it was for this very purpose that the pilgrim was sent by the Lord. (From para. 1 of Ch. 61 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
Pilgrims come in to my life, bringing conflict or affection, challenging my self-limitations. And I am a pilgrim in theirs. Each of us brings the potential for selfless attention to the other, which, in God's own time, may spark transforming relationships among us.
This is a beautiful guide for me in accepting visitors to my home. Oftentimes, I am too concerned with the external preparations that I forgot that the real essence of accepting them is to give them first a place in my heart as my brothers or sisters.
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