To become what we hate...

 Benedict makes it clear that the desire for good

is not an excuse for the exercise of evil in its behalf.

This reading is important, then, for people whose 

high ideals lead them to the basest of means

in the name of achieving good. To become what 

we hate — as mean as the killers, as obsessed as the haters

is neither the goal nor the greatness of the spiritual life.

The Rule of Benedict, Sr Joan Chittister        

I was rightly reminded today by a dear friend, that context IS important.  And so it is that Sister Joan reminds us that the end does not justify the means....