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Holy Rule for March 25
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St. Mary's Monastery
Mar 24, 2025, 5:04:14 PMMar 24
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Br. Jerome Leo’s Daily Reflection on the Holy Rule
March 25, July 25, November 24
Chapter 45: On Those Who Make Mistakes in the Oratory
When anyone has made a mistake while reciting a Psalm, a responsory, an antiphon or a lesson, if he does not humble himself there before all by making a satisfaction, let him undergo a greater punishment because he would not correct by humility what he did wrong through carelessness. But boys for such faults shall be whipped.
REFLECTION
Calm down, we don't whip anybody anymore. It has too often been my experience that such lines push all the buttons of some readers these days and blind them to the rest of the good stuff there.
As I mentioned before, in our house we do kneel in the center when late for choir, then bow to the superior and go to our place. We also bow to the superior when late to table. We kneel when we make audible mistakes in Church. And yes, those things can be very useful.
But most Oblates do not have a refectory or choir to kneel in, so what's here for the majority of us? The grace of humility, without which communal life on any level, in monastery, workplace, market or home would be unlivable.
Every single human community or whatever sort is going to have its share of strays, fumblers and crosses. Every one without fail will mirror in some sense the fallen brokenness of humanity. Our job is to see to it that we are part of the solution, not part of the problem. When, through whatever means, we become part of the problem, we must own up to it at once and smooth it over as best and as quickly as we can.
If you can't say "I'm sorry.", start practicing alone in front of a mirror until the words can somehow tumble out in public. Until they can, try some useful (though not perfect,) substitutes, like "Forgive me," or "It was my fault." Work on words of forgiveness, too, like: "It doesn't matter," or "Oh, that's OK,".
Strive to make light of things. There will never be any shortage whatever of people who will explode and magnify things out of all rational proportion, so don't duplicate services! Join the peaceful folks who try to prevent hurricanes in teacups, rather than produce them.
Most outrage, most lack of apology, most tempests in teacups stem from a distorted an unhealthy view of the self. Humility corrects that imbalance. While you're in front of the mirror practicing apology, why not try a bit of self-interview?
Why do these things or persons upset you so? What do you have in common with those who annoy you most? Most important, just who are you that your perceived slights are such a big deal? Try reminding yourself that He is God and you are not. Honest reflection on these points may be a big and promising start.
Br. Jerome Leo Hughes, OSB (RIP)
Br. Jerome Leo’s Daily Reflection on the Holy Rule
March 25, July 25, November 24
Chapter 45: On Those Who Make Mistakes in the Oratory
When anyone has made a mistake while reciting a Psalm, a responsory, an antiphon or a lesson, if he does not humble himself there before all by making a satisfaction, let him undergo a greater punishment because he would not correct by humility what he did wrong through carelessness. But boys for such faults shall be whipped.
REFLECTION
Calm down, we don't whip anybody anymore. It has too often been my experience that such lines push all the buttons of some readers these days and blind them to the rest of the good stuff there.
As I mentioned before, in our house we do kneel in the center when late for choir, then bow to the superior and go to our place. We also bow to the superior when late to table. We kneel when we make audible mistakes in Church. And yes, those things can be very useful.
But most Oblates do not have a refectory or choir to kneel in, so what's here for the majority of us? The grace of humility, without which communal life on any level, in monastery, workplace, market or home would be unlivable.
Every single human community or whatever sort is going to have its share of strays, fumblers and crosses. Every one without fail will mirror in some sense the fallen brokenness of humanity. Our job is to see to it that we are part of the solution, not part of the problem. When, through whatever means, we become part of the problem, we must own up to it at once and smooth it over as best and as quickly as we can.
If you can't say "I'm sorry.", start practicing alone in front of a mirror until the words can somehow tumble out in public. Until they can, try some useful (though not perfect,) substitutes, like "Forgive me," or "It was my fault." Work on words of forgiveness, too, like: "It doesn't matter," or "Oh, that's OK,".
Strive to make light of things. There will never be any shortage whatever of people who will explode and magnify things out of all rational proportion, so don't duplicate services! Join the peaceful folks who try to prevent hurricanes in teacups, rather than produce them.
Most outrage, most lack of apology, most tempests in teacups stem from a distorted an unhealthy view of the self. Humility corrects that imbalance. While you're in front of the mirror practicing apology, why not try a bit of self-interview?
Why do these things or persons upset you so? What do you have in common with those who annoy you most? Most important, just who are you that your perceived slights are such a big deal? Try reminding yourself that He is God and you are not. Honest reflection on these points may be a big and promising start.
Br. Jerome Leo Hughes, OSB (RIP)
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