Echoes from the Bell Tower

"If people curse you, do not curse them back but bless them instead...pray for your enemies out of love for Christ.”

Rule of Saint Benedict 4:32; 72

The above quotes from the list of St. Benedict’s “tools of the spiritual craft” can be summed up by the gospel command Do not judge (cf. Mt 7:1; Lk 6:37; Rom 2:1 and 14:10-13; James 2:13; 4:11-12 and 5:9; 1 Cor 4:5). Each of these passages from the New Testament directly addresses the command to not judge your brother or sister, for as we read in Ecclesiastes (3:17) God is judge and when the time is right will judge the wicked and the righteous. If you read all of RB 4 with this biblical precept in mind – as if wearing a special pair of glasses – you will see how much of what Benedict includes in his list of “tools of the spiritual craft” echo or harmonize with this key biblical teaching.

But how hard it is to endure the judgement of others and not react with judgements of our own. It is difficult to allow ourselves to endure harsh treatment from others and not seek retribution through harsh words or actions of our own. I think the key to obeying the gospel imperative to not judge is to allow your feelings room and ask yourself “How can I respond to this slight, this hurtful action on the part of a coworker, a confrere, or even a stranger at the Walmart Supercenter, such that I maintain my integrity as a disciple of Jesus”? To “respond” is not the same thing as “reacting.” When we feel anger sparked in us by what someone said, or did to us, it’s because we feel threatened. If allowed to fester, anger can easily lead to an impulsive act of retribution. Festering anger and resentment is the root cause of violence and division in our society. Sadly, it seems to have gotten much worse lately.

Ultimately, the desire for getting even is rooted in a wounded ego that demands “satisfaction.” But the gospel of Jesus, which is the foundation of Benedict’s Rule, demands more of us. It demands humility and a radical act of hospitality – accepting “the other” as they are, rather than insisting they be what they are not. We must ask ourselves, “Who am I?” If I believe I am a child of God and a disciple of Jesus, that demands a certain way of responding to those who offend me, judge me, or whose behavior drives me batty. To not judge is to allow the other to be themselves without the need to “fix” them or somehow coerce them into being more like me – agreeing with my views and opinions and treating me with respect and honor.

Having a non-judgmental mindset a freedom rooted in a humble acceptance that God alone is judge. The disciple seeks to emulate Christ who came not to condemn but save, and to reveal that God is merciful, God forgives, that God is love. To be God’s children means that we must strive to be merciful and forgive, not seven times but seventy times seven times, as Jesus taught, and to love our neighbor even if their behavior is hostile, because that’s what Christ does. Is this easy to do? NO, it is not. Jesus never said it would be. Is it doable, nonetheless? Emphatically YES, it is – with the help of God’s grace! The best way to combat violence is to practice non-judgment, to choose non-violent responses to violence, allowing God to cultivate in us hearts ruled by the peace of Christ (Col 3:15).