Let her make no distinction of persons in the
monastery. Let her not love one more than another, unless it be one whom
she finds better in good works or in obedience. Let her not advance one of
noble birth ahead of one who was formerly a slave, unless there be
some other reasonable ground for it. But if the Abbess for just reason think
fit to do so, let her advance one of any rank whatever. Otherwise let them
keep their due places; because, whether slaves or free, we are all one
in Christ (Gal. 3:28) and bear in equal burden of service in the army
of the same Lord. For with God there is no respect of persons (Rom. 2:11).
Only for one reason are we preferred in His sight: if
we be found better than others in good works and humility. Therefore let the
Abbess show equal love to all and impose the same discipline on
all according to their deserts.
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In my imperfect way,
I have done will enough in this area. I love my children, all 4, both the
living and the dead with all of my being. It is hard to measure equality. It is
hard to love your living children the same as you do the ones who have not passed.
It is also hard to love the living children equality because they are
different, one from another so I love them differently. Not less, not more just
differently. What is true is I given them all my entirety and I would give all
that I have for any of one of them but I could never give one of them for another. That would be
un-makeable choice.
Equality cannot be
measured except from the view point of whether or not each have been loved in
the way they needed and not how I chose to love them. I cannot place a value or
price on that result. Only they might now if they were given what they needed
or if I failed any or all of them. Again, my failures are not their fault and
my successes, if any, don't spring from my effort but through God's grace and
power made effective through my weakness.
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