NeuroDivine

Psalm 47, Isaiah 9:8–10:4, Matthew 7:1–12, Rule Chapter 39

The psalm today resounds with joy: “Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy.” Yet joy is not always loud. Sometimes it is quiet, measured, like the slow drip of dialysis, the steady rhythm of a machine that keeps life flowing. Even here, joy can be found—not in abundance, but in sufficiency.

Isaiah speaks of arrogance, of those who boast that they will rebuild stronger, greater, grander. But the Rule reminds us that strength is not in excess, but in measure. Bread weighed, dishes counted, fruit added if available. Enough for the day, but not more than enough. Dialysis teaches the same lesson: fluid measured, diet balanced, indulgence avoided. To take more than the body can bear is to invite harm. To accept limits is to honour life.

Matthew’s words cut to the heart: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged… In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.” The measure of food, the measure of kindness, the measure of patience—all are bound together. To live within limits is not punishment, but care. It is a way of ensuring that no one is burdened, that each has what they need, and that joy is shared.

Today, sitting with the hum of the machine, I hear the Rule’s wisdom: two dishes, a pound of bread, fruit if possible. Not indulgence, but sufficiency. Not judgment, but mercy. Not arrogance, but humility.

The psalm calls me to clap hands in joy, even if my hands are tethered by tubes. The prophet warns against pride, even as I learn to accept weakness. The Gospel teaches mercy, even as I measure my own intake with care.

This is the rhythm of grace: enough food, enough strength, enough mercy for today. And in that measure, joy is found.