RB Reflection: 23 August 2008

Chapter 65 11-22

For the preservation of peace and love we have, therefore, judged it best for the abbot to make all decisions in the conduct of his monastery. If possible, as we have already established, the whole operation of the monastery should be managed through deans under the abbot's direction. Then, so long as it is entrusted to more than one, no individual will yield to pride. But if local conditions call for it, or the community makes a reasonable and humble request, and the abbot judges it best, then let him, with the advice of God-fearing brothers, choose the man he wants and himself make him his prior. The prior for his part is to carry out respectfully what his abbot assigns to him, and do nothing contrary to the abbot's wishes or arrangements, because the more he is set above the rest, the more he should be concerned to keep what the rule commands.

If this prior is found to have serious faults, or is led astray by conceit and grows proud, or shows open contempt for the holy rule, he is to be warned verbally as many as four times. If he does not amend, he is to be punished as required by the discipline of the rule. Then, if he still does not reform, he is to be deposed from the rank of prior and replaced by someone worthy. If after all that, he is not a peaceful and obedient member of the community, he should even be expelled from the monastery. Yet the abbot should reflect that he must give God an account of all his judgments, lest the flames of jealousy or rivalry sear his soul.

Well, that's a rather rowdy ending: "flames of jealousy or rivalry sear his soul." If we completely forget that this is written in the dark ages as a rule for monks we might say it was written yesterday for us! Again and again as I approach the Rule I am struck by the timeliness of Benedict.

If we consider this chapter about priors alone we could be talking about any corporation, or small business, or school, or fraternity ... or even the LCG. Benedict was a canny observer of human nature, saw the tendency of fallen humankind to let "power corrupt" or "go to our heads." We should thank God that the Rule of Life we live by, and the Rule of Benedict to which we are bound, provides the checks and balances needed to keep, at least, a consistent peace.

Ages come and ages go. People come and people go. Forms of worship and organization come and go, yet God remains the same. The LCG has one form today, and in two years may have an altogether different form. And it doesn't matter, because the Rule of Benedict will still be here to say, "May God bring us altogether to everlasting life."

If I am not mistaken this is about the spot where I started writing reflections on the rule back in April. I leave it up to the readership. Do you want me to continue? If so, respond to the list, and I will publish all responses: good, bad, or indifferent. I am willing to keep going, I am also willing to stop. My website http://rbreflections.blogspot.com will continue no matter what. All that is at question is whether or not you want me to keep writing a daily reflection, or not.

Peace to You All
May God bring us altogether to everlasting life.