"There are some who, before entering the religious life, were accustomed to living comfortably, and therefore they receive something more in the way of food and clothing: better bedding, perhaps, or more blankets. The others who are stronger, and therefore happier, do not receive these things. But, taking into account the former habits of life of the rich, keep in mind how much they now have to do without, even though they cannot live as simply as those who are physically stronger. Not everyone should want to have the extra he sees another receive, for this is done not to show favour but only out of concern for the person." The Rule of Saint Augustine
The above precept is addressing a very specific audience - monks who set themselves aside of society. Nevertheless, anyone who has chosen a path of sacrifice and even general well-being may relate to the above passage, whether simply navigating social media to those who might feel more pressure in being members of spiritual groups.
This teaching can even be applied to secular living, such as in the work place, or just generally being out in the world. Ultimately, this applies to anyone at all, because it all goes back to the basic traits we all must tame in order to achieve true happiness and peace; those traits being pride, envy, and greed.
When I am feeling left out, insecure, or dismissed, I must assume the position of not only detachment from my coveting, in whatever form that might ensue, but even going a step further to seek out being of service to those whom I resent or are jealous of. Only through giving might I receive liberation from the desires that tell me I am not good enough or deserving of good things. Because goodness comes from serving the good, which is God (Matthew 19.16-7).
Easier said than done. This is why it is so important during seasons such as the one we are in now (Lent). where we spend time in the desert, being purified of the lusts which harm us and preparing ourselves to approach with affection those whom deep down, we would rather have a kinship with. And this is why it is manageable to make adjustments to our physical and mental comfort, in order to remind us why it is so essential to be strong spiritually, to give to others, despite our own feelings of rejection or otherness. Practicing collectively through the body of Christ, just like the monks in monasteries, gives us encouragement to press on, as strong warriors do.
When we are able to support others irregardless of our instinctive nature to resent the material or worldly comforts that we are not invited to share or participate (at that time) in, we are offered instead a supernatural strength and peace that overcomes all forlorning for placement and comfort, because we are grateful for being supremely loved through the One who can give us enduring sustenance, both in this world, and the one to come.
The above precept is addressing a very specific audience - monks who set themselves aside of society. Nevertheless, anyone who has chosen a path of sacrifice and even general well-being may relate to the above passage, whether simply navigating social media to those who might feel more pressure in being members of spiritual groups.
This teaching can even be applied to secular living, such as in the work place, or just generally being out in the world. Ultimately, this applies to anyone at all, because it all goes back to the basic traits we all must tame in order to achieve true happiness and peace; those traits being pride, envy, and greed.
When I am feeling left out, insecure, or dismissed, I must assume the position of not only detachment from my coveting, in whatever form that might ensue, but even going a step further to seek out being of service to those whom I resent or are jealous of. Only through giving might I receive liberation from the desires that tell me I am not good enough or deserving of good things. Because goodness comes from serving the good, which is God (Matthew 19.16-7).
Easier said than done. This is why it is so important during seasons such as the one we are in now (Lent). where we spend time in the desert, being purified of the lusts which harm us and preparing ourselves to approach with affection those whom deep down, we would rather have a kinship with. And this is why it is manageable to make adjustments to our physical and mental comfort, in order to remind us why it is so essential to be strong spiritually, to give to others, despite our own feelings of rejection or otherness. Practicing collectively through the body of Christ, just like the monks in monasteries, gives us encouragement to press on, as strong warriors do.
When we are able to support others irregardless of our instinctive nature to resent the material or worldly comforts that we are not invited to share or participate (at that time) in, we are offered instead a supernatural strength and peace that overcomes all forlorning for placement and comfort, because we are grateful for being supremely loved through the One who can give us enduring sustenance, both in this world, and the one to come.
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