Anarchat – My Promise for 2025
What prevents me from preferring nothing whatever to Christ?
My fur rises when Amma Cynthia does a little tearstain-cleaning touchup. I can hiss and issue forth accusatory mews. This is certainly not a loving way to behave. I know that. And it is not the way I would act if I preferred Christ. Look at all he endured.
Practices from the Rule to help me craft my promise:
“Do not grumble [or hiss*].” RB 4.39
[Monastics show ] “to their abbot or amma, unfeigned and humble love.” RB 72.10
“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:
I resolve to follow the fourth step on the ladder of humility – I will quietly embrace the suffering and persevere through it. I will keep in mind what a blessing it is to live with Amma Cynthia and China. I will show the love they have shown to me. THAT will be a way I can show that I prefer Christ over all.
What my human needs to learn to help her prefer nothing whatever to Christ:
My human needs to find freedom from needless worry. Related to this she could hone the purrfect ability to rest and relax as well as we cats can–to trust God like we trust her.
Practices from the Rule to help my human craft her promise:
“Place your hope in God alone.” RB 4.41
“Listen readily to holy reading, and devote yourself often to prayer.” RB 4.55-56
“…after Sext and their meal, they may rest on their beds in complete silence.” RB 48.5a
“See how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life.” Prologue 20
My Human’s 2025 Promise:
Anarchat asks you to join him and craft your own 2025 Promise.