Humility
The prophet indicates this to us, showing that our thoughts are always present to God, saying: “God searches hearts and minds (Ps 7:10);” and again: “The Holy One knows our thoughts (Ps 94:11);” likewise, “From afar you know my thoughts (Ps 139:3);” and, “My thoughts shall give you praise (Ps 76:11).” That we may take care to avoid sinful thoughts, we must always say to ourselves: “I shall be blameless in God’s sight if I guard myself from my own wickedness (Ps 18:24).”
Benedict, whose whole way of life is steeped in the psalms, relies heavily on the psalms here to prove God’s probing presence to the individual soul. God, Benedict says quite clearly, is within us to be realized, not outside of us to be stumbled upon. It is not a game of hide and seek we play in the spiritual life. It is simply a matter of opening our eyes to the light which drives out the darkness within us.
“How does a person seek union with God?” the seeker asked.
“The harder you seek,” the teacher said, “the more distance you create between God and you.”
“So what does one do about the distance?”
“Understand that it isn’t there,” the teacher said.
“Does that mean that God and I are one?” the seeker said.
“Not one. Not two.”
“How is that possible?” the seeker asked.
“The sun and its light, the ocean and the wave, the singer and his song.–Not one. Not two.”
Bishop’s Message:
My dear brothers and sisters,
Today, let us reflect on the seventh chapter of the Rule, contemplating the wisdom it holds for us in our pursuit of a faith that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and social justice.
In the seventh chapter, Saint Benedict speaks to us about the virtue of humility. While traditionally understood as a virtue that demands obedience and submission, we, as progressive Catholics, interpret humility in a broader and more nuanced way. For us, humility is not a call to unquestioning obedience, but rather a disposition of openness, respect, and self-awareness.
As as a modern spiritual people we recognize that our faith calls us to critically engage with the world around us and challenge systems of injustice. Humility, in this context, is a reminder that we are not infallible, that our perspectives and interpretations of the Gospel are influenced by our social and cultural contexts. It calls us to listen deeply and humbly to the experiences and insights of others, particularly those whose voices have been marginalized or silenced.
Saint Benedict invites us to “esteem everyone” and to never return evil for evil. In our contemporary world, this teaching resonates deeply with our commitment to social justice. Humility urges us to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. It calls us to actively work against discrimination, prejudice, and oppression, seeking to create a more just and inclusive society.
In the spirit of humility, we are also called to recognize our own faults and limitations. We acknowledge that our human understanding is finite and that we may make mistakes. Humility invites us to engage in ongoing self-reflection and to be open to growth and transformation. We strive to be humble in our pursuit of truth, acknowledging that our beliefs and perspectives may evolve as we engage in dialogue, learn from others, and deepen our understanding of God’s will.
Humility also calls us to exercise leadership in a spirit of service and collaboration. As a modern people, we reject authoritarianism and seek to empower others to fully participate in the life and decision-making processes of the Church. We embrace the diverse gifts and talents within our community, fostering an environment where all are encouraged to share their insights and contribute to the common good.
As we reflect on the seventh chapter of the Rule of Saint Benedict, let us embrace humility as a guiding principle in our lives as liberal Catholics. May it inspire us to actively work for justice, equality, and inclusion. May it encourage us to listen with compassion and to be open to the transformative power of dialogue. Let us continually seek to live out our faith with humility, knowing that we are all beloved children of God, called to build a more compassionate and just world.
May the Spirit of God guide us as we navigate the challenges of our time, and may Saint Benedict’s wisdom continue to inspire us in our journey of faith. Amen.
