| Here you’ll
find some “letters” to Benedict, aka Jane,
from mostly fictitious readers who are coping with
the challenges and joys of everyday living. The letters
present situations from daily living with responses
drawn from the Rule of Benedict. To see an old letter,
just click on the topic in the list. |
|
A Lax Co-Worker
Dear Benedict,
I’m at my wits end! My supervisor
assigned co-worker Larry and me to an important project with
a tight deadline. I knew I was in for it when I found out that
Larry was to be on the project with me. Because of the short
timeframe he and I decided to divide up the work. I’ve
been working hard on my part for two weeks now. To my dismay,
Larry has been doing little but loitering around the water cooler
and playing video games at his desk. The final step I need to
take requires data from him. I complained to my co-workers when
I heard he was on this project but I’m really complaining
now! Time grows short. What am I to do?
Frustrated
Dear Frustrated,
First of all, “do not grumble” (RB
4.39) against your co-worker. Grumbling only makes it more difficult
for you and for all your co-workers because grumbling, even to
yourself, is a negative that destroys harmony and relationships
and will blind to you God’s help in all this. Again, refrain
the evil of grumbling. (RB 40.9)
Now, in the Rule I instruct that if a
brother is disobedient or does not follow the orders of his seniors,
he should first be warned two times in private (RB 23.1-2). This
is just as Jesus instructed in Matthew 18:15-16. Here’s
my suggestion. Talk to Larry privately. Tell him you need data
from him to continue your preparation in the project. Gently
inquire where he is in his work. Maybe he has that data and you’re
just not aware of it. I suggest that you set up regular meetings
to discuss progress and keep the lines of communication open.
Finally, be compassionate for weakness (RB 27.9) and apply encouragement
(RB 28.3). And pray!
You are doing well to efficiently carry
out your part as assigned (RB 5.4). Keep up this responsiveness
to Benedictine obedience!
In peace,
Benedict
All quotes from the Rule are from RB1980:
The Rule of Benedict in English,
edited by Timothy Fry, O.S.B., Collegeville, Minn., The Liturgical Press,
1982.
If you would like to order this version of
the Rule, click here. |
