Favouritism: RB 2. 16–22
12/January/2008 Filed in:
JottingsToday the Church commemorates two remarkable abbots: St Benet Biscop and St Aelred of Rievaulx. One is remembered chiefly for beautifying English churches and the liturgy with exquisite art works, the other for creating a fervent and flourishing community from a very motley and unpromising group of men. Both were adept at winning hearts and securing the co-operation of those under them, Aelred, indeed, writing of Christian charity and friendship with a grace none has surpassed. Successful men, then, with a gift for leadership. Today's section of the Rule contains some valuable pointers for the would-be leader: favouritism must be avoided, and there must be fairness and consistency in applying discipline. Every parent knows how important that is, and no doubt Benet Biscop and Aelred were aware that to win the resepect and trust of a community similar qualities are required. No one can avoid having likes and dislikes, but we are called to exercise a certain self-discipline with regard to them. We are never to be "a cause of stumbling to a brother for whom Christ died." (Note: we have a server problem with RSS feeds at the moment but hope to get it put right and our podcast up later today.)