If Any Ordained Priest
An ordained priest seeking to join the monastery must observe the whole discipline of the Rule and not expect special treatment.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of discernment and commitment for ordained priests seeking to join the monastery. He advises that permission should not be granted too readily, and those persistent in their request must be willing to observe the entire discipline of the Rule without any exceptions. While some privileges may be granted, such as standing next to the Abbot and celebrating Mass, it is crucial for the priest to remember their humility and submission to the Rule. Additionally, clerics desiring to join must also promise to adhere to the Rule and stability, being placed in a middle rank within the monastery.
Text
If any ordained priest
should ask to be received into the monastery,
permission shall not be granted too readily.
But if he is quite persistent in his request,
let him know
that he will have to observe the whole discipline of the Rule
and that nothing will be relaxed in his favor,
that it may be as it is written:
"Friend, for what have you come (Matt. 26:50)?"
It shall be granted him, however, to stand next after the Abbot
and to give blessings and to celebrate Mass,
but only by order of the Abbot.
Without such order let him not make any exceptions for himself,
knowing that he is subject to the discipline of the Rule;
but rather let him give an example of humility to all.
If there happens to be question of an appointment
or of some business in the monastery,
let him expect the rank due him
according to the date of his entrance into the monastery,
and not the place granted him
out of reverence for the priesthood.
If any clerics, moved by the same desire,
should wish to join the monastery,
let them be placed in a middle rank.
But they too are to be admitted only if they promise
observance of the Rule and stability.
Sermon Outline
- Receiving an ordained priest into the monastery
- Privileges of an ordained priest in the monastery
- Rank and responsibilities of an ordained priest
- Admitting clerics to the monastery
- Placing them in a middle rank
- Requiring observance of the Rule and stability
Key Quotes
“Friend, for what have you come (Matt. 26:50)?” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Let him know that he will have to observe the whole discipline of the Rule and that nothing will be relaxed in his favor,” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Ordained priests must be willing to submit to the discipline of the Rule and not expect special treatment.
- Clerics seeking to join the monastery must promise to observe the Rule and stability.
- Humility is key for ordained priests in the monastery, as they should not make exceptions for themselves.