Carry On

"Here you are, carry on working, and do not be sad any longer."  

In A Life-Giving Way by Esther de Waal, she writes that this story comes from the Dialogues by St. Gregory. The words are reportedly spoken by St. Benedict to a young Goth after St. Benedict retrieved a bill-hook (cutting tool) the young man accidentally dropped into the water. In this short sentence we sense Benedict's care for those in his charge, for work, and for the tools of the monastery.  It also reflects an ability to hold all of that without judgement.     

   

"This, then, is the good zeal which monks must foster with fervent love: 'They should each try to be the first to show respect for one another (Romans 12:10) supporting with the greatest patience one another's weaknesses or behavior...'" 

RB 72:3-5 

  

"He will regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar, aware that nothing is to be neglected."  

RB 31:10-11   

   

We are indeed designed to carry on, caring  for one another and this life, hopefully learning and maturing as we go.   

  

Blessings, 

Sue Ann