Listen my child...
Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days?
Benedict begins today with a beautiful, most simple and so difficult challenge, "keep your tongue free from vicious, talk, and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim. (Ps. 34:14-15)"
From the beginning, God bides us to live a "good life." In the words of Benedict, "What is more delightful than this voice of the Holy One calling to us? See how God's love shows us the way of life."
John Mark Comer, in Following the Way, made this so very clear, we are called, we are invited to be the living Christ, to follow the way. As we work toward this goal, the living Christ within us will surely be pleased, and ever present to help us on the journey.
Sister Joan works to help us understand the challenges we will face along the way, the destructive talk about another person, anger, vengefulness. These are not foot stones along His path. We are called at all times, to not be part of this decline. Not only must we not engage in these behaviors, but we are called to help rebuild this tired and broken world.
As you begin this work, the Rule reminds us, God will be beside you, and his ears will listen for your prayers. We are called to be the peacemakers. We are called to do his work in this world. We are called to gentle the universe.
Sister Joan eloquently reminds us that in this Rule of life, violence is simply discounted. Violence doesn't work! Not political violence, not social violence, not physical violence, not even the violence that we do to ourselves in the name of religion. When will we learn!
Yes! Benedict calls us to live in this world, not only without weapons, but also by doing good. It is a strong message, clothed in words, long dulled by repetition, a challenge best echoed by—show we are His followers and if we must—use words!
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