A New Year’s Message
by Father Joseph Tedesco. Superior of Mepkin Abbey
Dear Friends,
The image of “Thy Father’s Hand” by Garland Weeks, as the focus of our newly inaugurated Meditation Garden of Truth and Reconciliation, invites us to ponder the theme of this year’s calendar: “Held in the Father’s Hand: Walking the 12 Steps of Humility.”
I believe this message is important enough for all of us seeking God and a life of community with family, friends and others. So I share the message with you.
The twelve steps stand at the heart the heart of the Benedictine journey. Each monk and nun, in their own rhythm, seeks to live the Cistercian way in fidelity to the Rule of St. Benedict and to the family of monastic life that unites us all.
The Twelve Steps
1- Fear of God – Always keep the fear of God before your eyes, remembering
His commandments and the consequences of sin.
2- Self -Will – Do not be wedded to your own will; instead, seek to fulfill God’s
will in all things.
Yet these steps are not only for monasteries. They form the foundation of the spiritual life of every Christian, for they invite us to imitate Christ- who offered Himself in perfect love. Out of that love, He embraced the cross so the world might be reconciled to God. The Father held Christ in His suffering, and that same divine embrace was revealed fully in the Resurrection-
Love stronger than death.
3- Obedience – Submit to the authority of your superiors and obey their commands as if
they were God’s.
4- Silence – Speak only when necessary and avoid excessive talk, which can lead to pride
and distraction.
What a lesson we learn! As children of God, we to are held in our suffering. And because we are held, we are called to hold one another – with tenderness, patience, and compassion. The
Twelve steps open our hearts to the virtues that make this possible, helping us grow ever more
Deeply into the heart of Christ.
5-Humility in Action- perform your duties with a humble heart, recognizing that all actions
are seen by God.
6-Avoiding Pride – recognize that pride leads to downfall; strive to remain humble in all
circumstances.
The image of “Thy Father’s Hand” reminds us that the same Hand that held Christ in suffering
now holds us. In every trial, that Hand never lets go-it steadies, comforts, and sends us forth to hold others in love. In this mystery, we are drawn into the kenosis of Christ – His self-emptying
love. “He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8).
This humility is not weakness but the very strength of divine love- the love that bends low and lifts others up. When we allow ourselves to be shaped by that humility, we to become instruments of compassion, sharing in Christ’s own work of reconciliation and healing.
7-Meekness – Meekness is attained when one not only confesses that he is an inferior and
common wretch, but believes it to his very core. He must be willing to humble himself.
8-Community as Priority- One embraces community as priority when he does only that
which is demanded by the common rule and witness of his seniors.
As we enter 2026, we look around and see a world in pain. Across every continent, people
Cry out- many in poverty, others in loneliness, still others under the weight of violence or fear.
Yet love can heal what greed and hatred have broken. Humility purifies the heart so that we
may turn from self-concern toward the good of others. On this path, love becomes not an idea but an action- love reaches out, love does something.
9-Discretion – Discretion can be achieved when one, practicing silence, only speaks when
asked a question.
10- Proper Decorum- Proper Decorum is achieved when one restrains himself from undue
Laughter and frivolity.
Perhaps this year, God is inviting each of us to hold another’s suffering with gentleness: through a simple act of kindness, a word of peace, or a prayer whispered in faith. St. Benedict teaches us that humility is not weakness but the doorway to love.
We belong to one another, and God holds us all in His mercy. From that embrace we draw courage – to face every challenge, to build unity, top live as one human family. Christ Himself prayed that all may be one.
11- Gentleness – In gentleness, one must speak gently, without jests but simply, seriously,
tersely, rationally and softly.
12-Personal Integration – Personal integration is attained only when one can at all times show
Humility not only in his appearance and actions, but also in his heart.
May this new year find us resting more deeply in the Father’s Hand-where humility becomes courage, and love transforms all things. “Let all be done so that God may be glorified in all things.” (Rule of St. Benedict 57:9)
Father Joseph Tedesco. Superior of Mepkin Abbey
