Sober Catholic’s companion (sort of) website, Catholics in Recovery has been relatively busy lately. It has grown slightly, up to 21 members (look out Facebook!!!!) and forum activity has picked up with some new members posting about their experiences and situations. It has finally started to become what I was hoping it would be, a …
At long last we finally come to the final step in St. Benedict’s Ladder of Humility, the 12th. It says that a person should always manifest humility in their actions as well as in their heart. In all one’s doings the person must be mindful of their sinful nature and imperfections and that at any …
Continue reading ‘St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility: Step 12’ »
The 11th Step on St. Benedict’s Ladder of Humility is that one should speak gently and without laughter, seriously and with modesty; briefly and reasonably, without raising one’s voice. I believe this Step is about showing fundamental respect for other people, with particular concern for their dignity as individuals and their state in life. We …
Continue reading ‘St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility: Step 11’ »
The 10th Step on St. Benedict’s Ladder of Humility is that one not be given to ready laughter. This may seem rather unimportant unless you consider that a too quick reply to something with laughter may make you sound foolish or disrespectful. We’ve all done that and pretty much felt silly and idiotic afterwords, particularly …
Continue reading ‘St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility: Step 10’ »
The Ninth Step on St. Benedict’s Ladder of Humility is that one should control their tongue and remain silent, not speaking unless asked a question. This is one where we can sufficiently modify for our use as sober alcoholics, not living in a monastery and bound by a rule of silence. Or can we? (I …
Continue reading ‘St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility: Step 9’ »
The 8th Step of St. Benedict’s Ladder of Humility is that a monk does only what is endorsed by the common rule of the monastery and the example set by the superiors. You join a group, whether it’s a job or a church softball team, no matter, you just joined some existing organization with legitimate …
Continue reading ‘St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility: Step 8’ »
The Seventh Step of the Ladder of Humility is that a person not only admit outwardly but is also inwardly convinced that one is inferior to all and of less value. This is rather similar to the previous Sixth Step. The two go hand-in-hand, it seems to me. If you accept the lowest and most …
Continue reading ‘St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility: Step 7’ »
Due to some circumstances, I won’t be posting on the 7th Step of St. Benedict’s Ladder of Humility today until at least after midnite, my time (it’s 0630, now. ) I have to work all day. Nothing sudden or unforeseen. But I didn’t get a chance to write on the 7th step yesterday and postdate …
The Sixth Step on the Ladder of Humility is that a person be content with the lowest and most menial treatment, and regards themselves as a poor and worthless worker in whatever task given. This seemingly goes contrary to modern psychobabble regarding self-esteem and empowerment and such. So getting away from the apparent harshness and …
Continue reading ‘St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility: Step 6’ »
The Fifth Step on St. Benedict’s Ladder of Humility is that a person does not conceal any sinful thoughts, or any wrongs committed in secret, but humbly confesses them. The Step was intended for monks to do this in respect to his abbot (man who is in charge of the monastery), but we also can …
Continue reading ‘St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility: Step 5’ »