Mepkin Daily Word

St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility:
11) The eleventh step of humility is that a monk speaks gently and without laughter, seriously and with becoming modesty, briefly and reasonably, but without raising his voice, as it is written: “A wise man is known by his few words.”
[RB 7:60-61]
- Speak clearly and plainly.

Mepkin Daily Word

St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility:
10) The tenth step of humility is that he is not given to ready laughter, for it is written: Only a fool raises his voice in laughter (Sir 21:23)
[RB 7:59]
- Avoid frivolity.

Mepkin Daily Word

St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility:
9) The ninth step of humility is that a monk controls his tongue and remains silent, not speaking unless asked a question, for Scripture warns, In a flood of words you will not avoid sinning (Prov 10:19), and, a talkative man goes about aimlessly on earth (Ps 139[140]:12)
[RB 7:56-58]
- Control one’s tongue.

Mepkin Daily Word

St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility:
8) The eighth step of humility is that a monk does only what is endorsed by the
112 common rule of the monastery and the example set by his superiors.
[RB 7:55]
- Stay within the boundaries of the organization and role.

Mepkin Daily Word

St Teresa of Jesus (of Avila), OCD
- "Christ has no body now but mine. He prays in me, works in me, looks through my eyes, speaks through my words, works through my hands, walks with my feet and loves with me here.”

Mepkin Daily Word

St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility:
7) The seventh step of humility is that a man not only admits with his tongue but is also convinced in his heart that he is inferior to all and of less value, humbling himself and saying with the Prophet: I am truly a worm, not a man, scorned by
106 men and despised by the people (Ps 21[22]:7). I was exalted, then I was humbled and overwhelmed with confusion (Ps 87[88]:16).
[RB 7:51-53
- Have a correct, but lowly estimation of self.

Mepkin Daily Word

St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility:
6) The sixth step of humility is that a monk is content with the lowest and most
98 menial treatment, and regards himself as a poor and worthless workman in
99 whatever task he is given, 50 saying to himself with the Prophet: I am insignificant
100 and ignorant, no better than a beast before you, yet I am with you always (Ps
101 72[73]:22-23).
[RB 7:49-50]
- Be content with lowly and menial jobs.

Mepkin Daily Word

St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility:
5) The fifth step of humility is that a man does not conceal from his abbot any sinful thoughts entering his heart, or any wrongs committed in secret, but rather confesses them humbly. Concerning this, Scripture exhorts us: Make known your way to the Lord and hope in him (Ps 36[37]:5).
[RB 7:44-48]
- Be transparent.

Mepkin Daily Word

St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility:
4) The fourth step of humility is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, his heart quietly embraces suffering and endures 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 the Lord (Ps 26[27]:14). [RB 7:35-38]
- Be transparent.

Mepkin Daily Word

St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility:
3) The third step of humility is that a man submits to his superior in all obedience
for the love of God, imitating the Lord of whom the Apostle says: He became
obedient even to death (Phil 2:8). [RB 7:34]
- Submit to one’s superior.