RB Reflection: 13 May 2008

The abbot should avoid all favoritism in the monastery. He is not to love one more than another unless he finds someone better in good actions and obedience. A man born free is not to be given higher rank than a slave who becomes a monk, except for some other good reason. But the abbot is free, if he sees fit, to change anyone's rank as justice demands. Ordinarily, everyone is to keep to his regular place because, whether slave or free, we are all on in Christ (Gal. 3:28; Eph 6:8) and share alike in bearing arms in the service of the one Lord, for God shows no partiality among person (Rom 2:11). Only in this are we distinguished in his sight: if we are found better than others in good works and in himility. Therefore, the abbot is to show equal love to everyone and apply the same discipline to all according to their merits.

In this section we find several interesting, and quite modern, concepts. First is plain old good sense, don't play favorites. Every parents know that playing favorites is the best way to start trouble between your children, and trouble that could last a lifetime. Leaders know that playing favorites is almost the same as ripping the fabric of your community. So, Benedict starts us off with plain good sense.

Next is something that almost amazes the eye: a man born free has the same place as one born a slave! That would have some people checking for the date of composition, because it certainly doesn't sound like anything you would expect to hear from the sixth century. It's hardly comprehensible today, where lingering racism has turned itself against the Mexican immigrant population in our country. Benedict was fourteen hundred years early with his democratic thinking.

So what does this passage of the Rule teach us as Lay Cistercians? We should remember that all that distinguishes us in God's sight is good works and humility. We have an executive council, we will soon have an international council, but the only thing that distinguishes us in our lives as Lay Cistercian's is our good works and humility. Whether or not the order accepts us, or opposes us, we have our marching orders from Benedict himself: good works, and humility.