When we live in community, let us choose obedience over discipline, for the latter teaches arrogance while the former calls for humility. ~Syncletica

The word obedience comes from the Latin root of obedire, which means “listen to,” but the word was also commonly used to mean “pay attention to.” When wisdom from scripture, from the saints or the desert mothers and fathers, calls us to “obey,” we are being challenged to listen and pay attention.

The concept of discipline also has more than one meaning. Some hear “discipline” and think of self~control, our diets, exercise routines or fasting practices. Others think of punishment, often physical, which is, unfortunately, how many monastics most frequently misused the term in the thirteenth century.

But with a more authentic understanding, I have taken the liberty of rewriting Syncletica’s words: When we live in community—at home, church, school, work and neighborhoods—let us choose to listen and pay attention to each other and our own hearts over physically, mentally, or emotionally punishing ourselves or each other, for the latter teaches arrogance while the former calls for humility.

This Lent, what would it look like to pause, listen and pay deep attention when we are tempted to chastise, punish or criticize ourselves or others? Perhaps this Lent, instead of giving up chocolate or wine, we give up self~criticism and the harsh judgment of those who annoy us and instead attempt to listen with the heart of Christ to what is underneath those things we are prone to discipline.

For Reflection

Where could you begin to listen more and punish or criticize less? How might it change the relationship or communal experience?

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