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  IF A BROTHER
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: A brother who leaves the monastery must promise full reparation
and demonstrate humility before being allowed to return.

Topics: "Repentance", "Humility"
Scripture References: Proverbs 24:16, Luke 15:11, James 4:10, 1 John 1:9

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility and
repentance for those who wish to return to the monastery after leaving
due to their own fault. He instructs that the returning brother must
promise full reparation for leaving and be received in the lowest place
to test his humility. If the brother leaves again, he should be taken
back repeatedly, but after the third time, he must understand that all
ways of return are denied to him.

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CONTENT
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If a brother who through his own fault leaves the monastery should wish
to return, let him first promise full reparation for his having gone
away; and then let him be received in the lowest place, as a test of his
humility. And if he should leave again, let him be taken back again, and
so a third time; but he should understand that after this all way of
return is denied him.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/if-a-brother/
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