Just as there is an evil zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from vices and leads to God and to life everlasting. This zeal, therefore, the sisters should practice with the most fervent love.Thus they should anticipate one another in honor (Rom. 12:10); most patiently endure one another's infirmities, whether of body or of character; vie in paying obedience one to another -- no one following what she considers useful for herself, but rather what benefits another; tender the charity of sisterhood chastely; fear God in love; love their Abbess with a sincere and humble charity; prefer nothing whatever to Christ. And may He bring us all together to life everlasting!

For what or whom are you zealous? For music, for art, for fast cars, for fine food, for family, for laughter, for gambling, for drinking, for...

What is the character of your passion? What is it's outcome? How does it leave you an hour later, a day later? How does indulging your passion leave others?

The Latin zelo is a loan word from the Greek. Heat is its oldest meaning. The Greeks associated it with human ardor, regardless of what was adored.

The Romans were suspicious of ardor and zealotry as the cause of too much suffering. In Latin zelo was associated with jealousy and rivalry.

But Benedict reminds us that heat, enthusiasm, drive, gusto, hustle, fervor, even fanaticism can be good if our focus is on the needs of others and our object is love.