RB Reflection: 18 May 2008

Chapter 3 7-13 Jan 17, May 18, Sept 17

Accordingly in every instance, all are to follow the teaching of the rule, and no one shall rashly deviate from it. In the monastery no one is to follow his own heart's desire, nor shall anyone presume to contend with his abbot defiantly, or outside the monastery. Should anyone presume to do so, let him be subjected to the discipline of the rule. Moreover, the abbot himself must fear God and keep the rule in everything he does; he can be sure beyond any doubt that ht will have to give an account of all his judgments to God, the most just of judges.

If less important business of the monastery is to be transacted, he shall take counsel with the seniors only, as it is written: Do everything with counsel and you will not be sorry afterward (Sir. 32.24)

Yesterday we discussed the need for the abbot to take serious matters affecting everyone before the entire community, with the understanding that in the end, the abbot has the final say. It is just another way of saying "the buck stops here."

Today we look at the lesser matters that the abbot may decide with his counsel. Yet, that is not where the passage starts. It starts with saying follow the rule and don't be rash in going your own way. In community life all must abide by the rules of the community, whether monastic or lay, or even in towns and cities. Rules do indeed run our lives. There is a speed limit on our roads, and age limits on drinking. In Bardstown Historic District there are strict rules on what colors you may paint your house!

So it should come as no surprise that in the monastery, as in our Lay Cistercian lives, we must follows the rules as set down by Benedict, the monastery of our association, and the particular group we meet with monthly. Last year during the Lay Cistercian Retreat, we gained the moniker of those "loud Lay Cistercians." Obviously, we deviated from the rule by breaking the silence of the monastery of our association. We could try to argue that it's a once a year thing and people were happy to see one another, but couldn't the monastery also say that we flagrantly broke the rules of silence?

We openly defied the rules of the house, and indirectly contended with the abbot. While the monks said nothing to us, they let it be known that we had done something they considered out of line. We followed "our own heart's desire" and did not abide by the rule.