"...instantly quitting their own work and giving up their own will, with hands disengaged, and leaving unfinished what they were doing, follow up, with the ready step of obedience, the work of command with deeds; and thus, as if in the same moment, both matters – the master’s command and the disciple’s finished work – are, in the swiftness of the fear of God, speedily finished together, whereunto the desire of advancing to eternal life urgeth them."
"Such as these truly live up to the maxim of the Lord in which He saith: “I came not to do My own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.”"
END QUOTE.
Diligence in the submission of the will to another is the "first degree" of humility-- that all important virtue in the face of the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent One.
What is interesting here is Father Benedict's emphasis on the dialectic of obedience: both the master and the disciple are participants in adhering to the Divine Will. It is all one movement that achieves perfection. That the most lowly are the ultimate agents of this command is not to be overlooked. The whole of Christ's meekness is contained in this mystery of the Son's filial relationship with His Father.
A few practical suggestions on how the laity are to cultivate this first degree of humility:
(1) if you see dirty dishes, clean them.
(2) if you are asked to do something at work, drop what you are doing, then make your boss's request your priority.
(3) if you see somebody who appears lonely or out of place, then put your own hesitance aside (especially meritorious if you are an introvert) to converse with them naturally, earnestly, charitably, and at their pleasure. See in every face the Divine Image of Christ's likeness in each and all. Show generosity of your time and imagine Christ being insulted by scoffers at his crowning. Look upon them accordingly as you would the bruised and disheveled countenance of the Man of Sorrows.
God works great things in our souls from such little unassuming acts of genuine piety.
Be well!
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