RSB: Chapter Three

Listen to the least likely

Chapter 3 Calling the Community for Counsel

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (Ps 95:8)

Listen in conference even to the least likely.

For us, this directive seems natural. We modern people believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and that one must give this opinion a certain respect, even if we disagree. This was not the approach in the sixth century. Those of lower rank were to obey those of higher rank without expressing an opposing view.

St. Benedict was not living in a modern political democracy, where we understand all people as created equal. So where did he get this idea?

It came from his faith life. “God often reveals to the younger what is best,” he says. This same thought is present in the practice of modern-day Quakers, whose decision making depends on consensus as insurance that their way forward is indeed the will of God.

For us, this means that we have to “listen with the ear of our heart” even to the people we are inclined to dismiss. This takes practice!

Credit: Jim Goldberg