RB Reflection: 15 August 2008

Chapter 61. The Reception of Visitng Monks

A visiting monk from far away will perhaps present himself and wish to stay as a guest in the monastery. Provided that he is content with the life as he finds it, and does not make excessive demands that upset the monastery, but is simply content with what he finds, he should be received for as long a time as he wishes. He may, indeed, with all humility and love make some reasonable criticisms or observations, which the abbot should prudently consider; it is possible that the Lord guided him to the monastery for this very purpose.

If after a while he wishes to remain and bind himself to stability, he should not be refused this wish, especially as there was time enough, while he was a guest, to judge his character.

We have all had the house guest who showed up unexpectedly, was squeamish about the food we served, and found our bed linens not to their liking, "not that I'm complaining, of course." Benedict clearly had guests like that.

The LCG has guests, and members like that, too. "I did not expect it to be this way." Or, "In my old LCG group we did it this way." Perhaps this one from those who have changed affiliation from another monastery, "You mean you don't have statutes? You let non-Catholics in?" Now, I've made up each example, but the odds are good that those phrases have been said at some point.

It seems then that Benedict is telling us to take things as we find them, don't be a bunch of whiners, and don't nitpick with "in my old group we did it ... " Who cares how you did it? On the other hand, when someone comes with a criticism that is based upon the Rule, or the Rule of Life, or any other sound reason, then we should listen to them. We may distill today's reading to "ignore the whiners, and hear the spirit when it speaks in the newcomer."

May God bring us altogether to everlasting life.