Cider – My Promise for 2025
What prevents me from preferring nothing whatever to Christ?
Grumbling! I grumble and hiss when I have to get in the car. I grumble and hiss even louder when I must go to the vet. I get really angry and am not a good patient. This isn’t the Cider that I want to be. And it’s not the Cider who prefers Christ.
Practices from the Rule to help me craft my promise:
“Do not grumble [or hiss*].” RB 4.39
“You are not to act in anger or nurse a grudge.” RB 4.22-23
“The fourth step of humility is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, our hearts quietly embrace suffering and endure it without weakening or seeking escape. For scripture has it: Anyone who perseveres to the end will be saved (Matt 10:22), and again, Be brave of heart and rely on God” (Ps 27:14). RB 7.35-37
My 2025 Promise:
When situations put me in distress, I will try to be more accepting and refrain from anger or hissing. I will do my best to be a role model for housemate, Frankie, showing him that, as a Novice, I really do prefer nothing whatever to Christ.
What my human needs to learn to help her prefer nothing whatever to Christ:
My human needs to learn that she has a gift to share with her church. She can share this gift by becoming a lay reader in her church. She can do it!
Practices from the Rule to help my human craft her promise:
“Monastics will read and sing, not according to rank, but according to their ability to benefit their hearers.” RB 38.12
“We must always remember, therefore, what the prophet says: Serve the Holy One with reverence (Ps 2:11), 4and again, Sing praise wisely (Ps 47:8); and, in the presence of the angels I will sing to you” (Ps 138:1). RB 19.3-5
“What is more delightful than this voice of the Holy One calling to us? See how God’s love shows us the way of life.” Prologue 19-20
My Human’s 2025 Promise:
Cider asks you to join him and craft your own 2025 Promise.