Let the brothers love one another, as the Lord says, "This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you."
And let them show by their deeds the love they have for one another, as the Apostle says, "Our love must be not just words or mere talk, but something active and genuine."
And they are not to go slandering other people nor are they to grumble or speak evil, for it is written, "Libelers and slanderers are enemies of God." And they are to be peacable and gentle, and always polite to people of all kinds.
Rule 1221 - Chapter XI
These rules are so simply expressed, but not so simple to practice. What an easy trap to fall into: to grumble and speak evil! A dear Franciscan monk from San Francesco Church in Lanciano (the Eucharistic Miracle) says 'never speak of a third person if he or she is not present'.
ReplyDeleteAnd then, in today's hectic world, it's so rare to find people who are peaceable and gentle. But this is what each individual, and indeed the whole world needs.