========================================================================
  LET THE ABBESS ALWAYS BEAR IN MIND
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon emphasizes the critical responsibilities of the
Abbess in teaching and guiding her disciples, with eternal consequences
at stake.

Topics: "Leadership Accountability", "Spiritual Guidance"
Scripture References: Hebrews 13:17

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the accountability of leaders,
particularly abbesses, in guiding their disciples in teachings and
obedience. He highlights the importance of shepherds taking
responsibility for the spiritual growth and behavior of their flock,
knowing that any lack of progress reflects on the leader. St. Benedict
encourages leaders to diligently care for their restless followers,
assuring them that their efforts will be recognized at the Lord's
Judgment. He warns of the consequences of disobedience and the
inevitable punishment that awaits those who reject guidance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let the Abbess always bear in mind that at the dread Judgment of God
there will be an examination of these two matters: her teaching and the
obedience of her disciples. And let the Abbess be sure that any lack of
profit the master of the house may find in the sheep will be laid to the
blame of the shepherd.

On the other hand, if the shepherd has bestowed all her pastoral
diligence on a restless, unruly flock and tried every remedy for their
unhealthy behavior, then she will be acquitted at the Lord's Judgment
and may say to the Lord with the Prophet: "I have not concealed Your
justice within my heart; Your truth and Your salvation I have declared"
(Ps. 39[40]:11). "But they have despised and rejected me" (Is. 1:2;
Ezech. 20:27).

And then finally let death itself, irresistible, punish those
disobedient sheep under her charge.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/let-the-abbess-always-bear-in-mind/
========================================================================