February 17, 2017

My Journey to God

Living in Harmony with Others

St. Benedict in his rule for monks
Advocates settling a dispute before the sun goes down
Never go to bed wearing your sword he admonishes monks
By this Benedict meant that forgiveness must be given
Living in Harmony with others

Forgiveness is a key ingredient for harmonious living
No one is an island and translates into one is never alone
We all live in community no matter how isolated we are
Restraint of speech and attentive listening are keys to harmony
Living in Harmony with others

We acknowledge our faults and admit we can be wrong
We speak with moderation and avoid excessiveness speech
We sublimate our self-egos and embrace humility
We decrease in order to increase thereby enhancing harmony
Living in Harmony with others

Humility, obedience and restraint of speech are keys to harmonious living
Acceptance of faults and forgiveness of all transgressions
Extend hospitality to those in need and accept no praise for it
We all falter, stumble and fall and we assist those who do
Living in Harmony with others.

By Thomas J. Rillo
 

(Thomas J. Rillo is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bloomington, and is Benedictine oblate of Saint Meinrad Seminary.) †

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