Where am I ranked?

Over the last couple of days we have read about rank and our rightful place in the community.  How does a priest with his special vows fit in?  Artists have special gifts.  Do they receive special rank and privilege?  The disciples asked Jesus who would sit at his right hand.  We all want to be at the head of the line, to sit in the front seat, and to know that our expertise ranks us before others.

As I contemplated returning to work, I wondered whether I should embark on a new path, but it was this very aspect of getting in the back of the line and starting at the bottom, that held me back from beginning again.  I like knowing that the time I have spent on my craft has given me competence and seniority.  However, I must remember thought that it is time on task and not necessarily innate gifts that have moved me to front of the line; I have no special right to my rank.  And this is the criterion Benedict uses.  You are ranked by time on task.  Living the Rule, building the habits of living a life a certain way, should manifest itself in a Christ centered life.  The time spent making and correcting mistakes, practicing an attitude of faith and stability, observing obedience to the Rule and to the community leaders: these make us wise. 

In addition, these passages on rank speak to the relationship between the individual and the community.  Each individual nourishes his/her own gifts, and follows a path that nurtures the person God created us to be.  However, doing this is not about us; this is about our place in the community; this is about the work God has set about for us to do.  To nurture our own gifts – whether it is mechanics or art or writing or organizing files or weeding a garden – glorifies God and services the communities in which we live.  For really, we are not what we do; we are who God made us to be. 

Sr. Joan gives a series of questions to ask ourselves as we assess whether we are in the right place and following the right path:  Is this place calling out the best in me?  Is this where I fit?  Is this the place where I can best be what God created me to be?  Is this the path on which I see the footsteps of God most clearly in front of me?

So, as I return to the world of work, leaving the safety and stability of home, I pray that I remember that the work is not about me or for me.  I pray that I remember that work is to be balanced with prayer and rest.  I pray that I move slowly into the world so that I am able to see where God leads and hear the voice of God in those around me.  I pray that as I open my lips my voice shall proclaim the words of our Lord.

Bev Olsen