Comments on: Leadership, Benedictine style

By: Tess

Tess — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:17:09 +0000

@Cindy: thanks for your comment, and welcome to my site. Kathleen Norris has been such a wonderful inspiration to so many people.
@Christine: I love that you’re one of those sharing this Benedictine journey with me xx
@Yolanda: you raise an important point. President Obama (oh the thrill of typing those words!) cannot fulfil the world’s expectations, but what I’m hoping so fervently is that by his example he can inspire us all to become leaders in our own way. I don’t quite know where I’m going with this – perhaps another blog post some time – but there’s something around the touchstone of a leadership of service (which is a Christ-like concept) that I think will be an enormously important legacy of his presidency.

By: yolanda

yolanda — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:42:51 +0000

Tess
I really like this beautiful and insightful post about the benedictiness. I also feel that a lot of my fellow countrymens hopes have been set so hi that the President can’t possible reach them.

By: Abbey of the Arts

Abbey of the Arts — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:10:56 +0000

Thanks Tess for this thoughtful and very insightful post. I am really enjoying taking in your vision of Benedictine values. And thanks too to Jan for her great comment.

By: Cindy L

Cindy L — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:06:32 +0000

First, I have to tell you, our pastor said the same thing on the Sunday after the election: “Obama is not the messiah.” Some people got upset by the comment, but I know exactly what he meant. Obama is human, and he has stepped into a huge responsibility at a tremendously challenging time. As happy as I am to see Obama in office now — I campaigned for him — I do worry about people’s expectations.

I’m always fascinated by Benedictine spirituality, too, having been introduced to it by Kathleen Norris a while back. Thanks for the interesting thoughts.

By: Tess

Tess — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:47:32 +0000

Jan, thanks for this. I don’t know much about Methodist tradition, but one of the things I value so much about Benedictines is the way in which in which their spirituality is universal.

And yes, the long, cyclical view. Buddhists have that also.

By: Jan Richardson

Jan Richardson — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:57:46 +0000

Thank you, Tess, for your thoughtful reflections on leadership and the Rule of St. Benedict. When I read your first line about our expectations of President Obama, I immediately thought of a bumper sticker that neighbors of mine put on their car during the long campaign season; it reads, “OBAMA: FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.” Every time I see it, it still strikes me as a whole lot of messianic expectation to place on one person!

I’m an oblate of St. Brigid of Kildare Monastery, a community that draws on both Benedictine and Methodist traditions. One of the things I really appreciate about Benedictine folks is that, as part of a tradition that’s been around for more than a millennium and a half, they tend to be able to take the long view of things. They know how history has rhythms and cycles, as do our own lives; they know the importance of having spiritual practices that ground us and help keep us steady amid the constancy of change; they know how crucial it is to not freak out (at least for not too long) when things fall apart, because, taking the long view, and having a sense of history and God’s providence, they know that systems tend to eventually stabilize (or transform into something new–as seems to be happening with many monastic communities these days; the St. Brigid’s community is one example of how the ancient monastic tradition is finding new expression in a new millennium).

As we weather the drastic economic changes around the world and deal with other intense challenges that require wise and courageous leadership, Benedictine traditions and values invite us to keep our heads, develop spiritual practices that will provide sustenance, and give attention to cultivating communities that call forth and support wise leaders (and can stay afloat even when the leaders are less than wise). Modern and ageless: thank you for reminding us!

By: Tess

Tess — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:42:43 +0000

Barney, makes sense. Thanks.

By: Barney

Barney — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:24:31 +0000

@Tess, the individuals appointed to counsel etc are separate from the elected bodies, so they can give good advice independently and assist the elected bodies by providing a view from a different perspective. This is invaluable.

By: Tess

Tess — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:07:08 +0000

@Barney, this insight into Baha’i authority is interesting. Are the individuals appointed to counsel etc. also in the elected bodies, or separate?
@Barbara, you just reminded me of the great schools founded and run by Benedictines.
@Pam and Barbara Anne, yes it’s in the applying of the lessons that we fall down. Beautiful quote, BA.

By: Barbara Anne

Barbara Anne — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:51:15 +0000

Hi Tess, I, too appreciate this look into the Benedictine world, the ageless wisdom, and agree the world would be a better place if all leaders lived by this credo.

In reference to your sobering note is a quote I cut out years ago that speaks me and to this subject:
“Although I do not worship places, I do feel there is a certain sense of holiness in some places, where thousands have journeyed to apprehend the Spirit of God. In these holy places, the barrier between the physical and the spiritual has become thin, making it easier to enter into a prayerful state. In this state, I am joined with the whole communion of saints, those who came before me, those who pray with me, and those who will follow me. Such a place takes on a spiritual character, because of the love spilled there. I do not believe that the rocks, dirt, trees, and grass are holy…. Nevertheless, I think a place can be changed, I suppose consecrated, by the devotion and love of God experienced by people there.” – Laura Inscoe

Grace and peace, friend!