Holy Rule for March 12

[St. Mary's Monastery]

+PAX
Br. Jerome Leo’s Daily Reflection on the Holy Rule

March 12, July 12, November 11
Chapter 34: Whether All Should Receive in Equal Measure What Is Necessary

Let us follow the Scripture, "Distribution was made to each according as anyone had need" (Acts 4:35). By this we do not mean that there should be respecting of persons (which God forbid), but consideration for infirmities. She who needs less should thank God and not be discontented; but she who needs more should be humbled by the thought of her infirmity rather than feeling important on account of the kindness shown her. Thus all the members will be at peace. Above all, let not the evil of murmuring appear for any reason whatsoever in the least word or sign. If anyone is caught at it, let her be placed under very severe discipline.

REFLECTION

I came here in June of 1996 as a professed diocesan hermit who was an Oblate. From the beginning, I lived in the guesthouse, because caring for the guesthouse was the mutual arrangement under which I moved here from Boston. From day one that meant all kinds of exceptions with permission for me. My life in a Boston rectory had been very different from my brothers' lives here. My superior told me to pretty much bring the life I had with me and make adjustments as necessary after I arrived.

Well, it's astounding at how few adjustments got made... at least by me. It was my brothers who accepted the exceptions. The grace and charity with which they did so was- and continues to be- an outstanding example of how this chapter can be lived. Not only did they not murmur, they simply loved me, took me for the roaring exception that I am without further ado. It humbled me then and it humbles me still. I stand in awe of my brothers, every single one of whom is younger (in age, not profession,) than me. They are vastly better monks. I probably couldn't live their life exactly for more than 20 minutes or so. That does not matter to them. I do. Wow!

That can really make one deeply grateful and yes, my infirmities do humble me and no, I don't feel important because of the kindness they show me. I feel only gratuitous love, richly undeserved. That, my friends is what we get from God, and that is what all our communities should be giving to the weak ones in our midst. In home, work, school or cloister we should all be giving the strugglers what I have received here.

Our Congregation requires a legal contract between Community and Oblate for claustral oblation. Hence, when I transferred everything here and dropped the diocesan connection, the Chapter formally approved my embarrassing life of exceptions. I used to think that the exceptions were all that could be seen, but now I know that's not true.

My brothers see Br. Jerome, that's all. Nothing more, nothing less. By their loving deeds they freely accord me a fullness and equality of membership that I would never dream of demanding, and they do so repeatedly. It is they who remind me that I belong here, not the other way around! They never remind me in a patronizing way, either. It's more like: "DUH?! You're one of us, you know!" And I am, I really am, but only by God's grace and that of my brothers, nothing at all of me.

How I wish all of you could get to know my Community. If you saw them in action (and me in INaction!) it would preach a far more eloquent sermon on this chapter than anything I could ever write. By the way, I surely am accepted and loved by my sisters here, too, but I chose to write today of my life with my brothers. The nuns have shown me every love and kindness, too!

Br. Jerome Leo Hughes, OSB (RIP)