May 28, 2010

Theses on Blame and Merit in Community

(This is a collection in development.)

If a brother piously declines to have something assigned to him for personal use (e.g. a car, computer, cell phone, etc.) under the title of holy poverty and simplicity of life, but then needs to borrow the same thing from another brother when he needs it, it is actually the latter brother who is practicing the higher degree of charity and evangelical poverty.

If a brother carelessly picks up and walks away with your breviary, and you cannot then pray the next canonical hour properly on account of it, it is the first brother who incurs the guilt of the sin.

If someone is being passive-aggressive toward you, it might be because you have failed to make him feel safe enough to do or say something openly.

Emptying the dishwasher is always a righteous act, even when grumbled about. Leaving near-empty containers in the refrigerator or the cupboard is always condemnable, even when done with bemusement.

Names are written on leftovers not to claim them, but to warn potential snackers about who has already touched them.

People given their voice and freedom will not always want what you think they should.

If you never let another brother help you or do anything for you, you deny him his opportunity for holiness through charity.

1 comment:

Tc said...

If someone is being passive-aggressive toward you, it might be because you have failed to make him feel safe enough to do or say something openly.

I love that one.