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  LET THE ABBOT BE MOST SOLICITOUS
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: The Abbot should be most solicitous in his concern for
delinquent brethren, showing compassion and care for those who are weak.

Topics: "Pastoral Care", "Spiritual Guidance"
Scripture References: Ezekiel 34:3, Matthew 9:12, Luke 15:4, 2 Corinthians 2:7-8

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of the Abbot's care for
delinquent brethren, drawing inspiration from the words of Jesus that
the sick need a physician. The Abbot is urged to seek wise counsel and
support from mature brethren to guide and console those who are
wavering, encouraging them to seek reconciliation and not be overwhelmed
by grief. It is crucial for the Abbot to show utmost care and diligence
in nurturing weak souls, following the example of the Good Shepherd who
compassionately seeks out the lost sheep to bring them back to the
flock.

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CONTENT
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Let the Abbot be most solicitous in his concern for delinquent brethren,
for "it is not the healthy but the sick who need a physician" (Matt
9:12) And therefore he ought to use every means that a wise physician
would use. Let him send senpectae, that is, brethren of mature years and
wisdom, who may as it were secretly console the wavering brother and
induce him to make humble satisfaction; comforting him that he may not
"be overwhelmed by excessive grief" (2 Cor. 2:7), but that, as the
Apostle says, charity may be strengthened in him (2 Cor. 2:8). And let
everyone pray for him.

For the Abbot must have the utmost solicitude and exercise all prudence
and diligence lest he lose any of the sheep entrusted to him.

Let him know that what he has undertaken is the care of weak souls and
not a tyranny over strong ones; and let him fear the Prophet's warning
through which God says, "What you saw to be fat you took to yourselves,
and what was feeble you cast away" (Ezec. 34:3,4). Let him rather
imitate the loving example of the Good Shepherd who left the ninety-nine
sheep in the mountains and went to look for the one sheep that had gone
astray, on whose weakness He had such compassion that He deigned to
place it on His own sacred shoulders and thus carry it back to the flock
(Luke 15:4-5).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/let-the-abbot-be-most-solicitous/
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