Owning Up to Our Faults

St. Benedict realized that in owning up to our faults, we would be freed from the chains that bound us – the chains of our guilt.  Already asking ourselves the question, “Did anyone see that?”, already shows our embarrassment.  We want others to think well of us.  We want their admiration and applause.   We do not want their disdain.  We do not want them to think less of us. 

Could it be, though, that by owning up to our fault, especially at those times when it is severe, could realistically help someone else over come their own timidity and seek the forgiveness and healing that they need and desire?  Could it be that our example of admitting we are wrong and doing what it takes to set things right actually be the first part of the grace that our Heavenly Father has in store for us.

Growth in the spiritual life does not come with leaps and bounds.  It usually comes by falling down and picking oneself up again.  It comes by being broken open so that there is room for the Spirit to enter into our lives and work. 

Growth also means being patient with ourselves and with those around us who are also on the journey.  We only get to graduate from this school of the Lord’s service when we enter fully into the embrace of our Heavenly Father upon our death.  Until then, we are learning the rugged and difficult path that leads to the high places in the kingdom of heaven. 

Let our prayer be that of Habakkuk:  Yet will I rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God.  God, my Lord, is my strength; me makes my feet swift as those of hinds and enables be to go upon the heights (3:19).  Lord, make our feet like those of hinds…