Listening - The Foundation of the Rule

I very much appreciated the reference in the Introduction, that Benedict's rule was based on the accumulation of "uncomplicated wisdom" that created a framework for how to live a good life. The foundation for learning the rule is, quite simply, listening. But for those of us who are leaders and talkers, listening is sometimes a hard skill to come by. I have worked on it for years, and have only recently begun to show signs of improvement. What I have noticed is that the more one is able to listen, the more one is able to be peaceful. It is a refreshing alternative to my former path.

 

There is also a comment that hospitality has a "moral dimension to it," because it speaks to our own prejudgements about people. How do we overcome our fear of the stranger?  It breaches a comfort zone that we can learn to broaden, if we are willing. For me it may be easier than most, because I am an extrovert, but I often catch myself holding back, because I hesitate to get drawn into the stories that go beyond the greeting. Clearly, I have much to learn about true hospitality.

 

God bless you,

 

Nancy Biehler