Let All Keep Their Places in the Monastery
The sermon emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining order in the monastery, while also emphasizing accountability and discipline.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of order and discipline within the monastery, highlighting the Abbot's role in maintaining fairness and accountability in his decisions. The Abbot is urged to consider the consequences of his actions before God and to avoid unjust or arbitrary use of power. St. Benedict stresses that age or status should not determine one's place in the monastery, citing examples of young individuals who held positions of authority in the Bible. Discipline is to be upheld for all, including boys, to ensure harmony and respect within the community.
Text
Let all keep their places in the monastery
established by the time of their entrance,
the merit of their lives and the decision of the Abbot.
Yet the Abbot must not disturb the flock committed to him,
nor by an arbitrary use of his power ordain anything unjustly;
but let him always think
of the account he will have to render to God
for all his decisions and his deeds.
Therefore in that order which he has established
or which they already had,
let the brethren approach to receive the kiss of peace and Communion,
intone the Psalms and stand in choir.
And in no place whatever should age decide the order
or be prejudicial to it;
for Samuel and Daniel as mere boys judged priests.
Except for those already mentioned, therefore,
whom the Abbot has promoted by a special decision
or demoted for definite reasons,
all the rest shall take their order
according to the time of their entrance.
Thus, for example,
he who came to the monastery at the second hour of the day,
whatever be his age or his dignity,
must know that he is junior
to one who came at the first hour of the day.
Boys, however, are to be kept under discipline
in all matters and by everyone.
Sermon Outline
- Establishing Order in the Monastery
- The Order of the Brethren
- Promotions and Demotions
- Special Decisions
- Definite Reasons
Key Quotes
“The Abbot must not disturb the flock committed to him, nor by an arbitrary use of his power ordain anything unjustly;” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“For Samuel and Daniel as mere boys judged priests.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Boys, however, are to be kept under discipline in all matters and by everyone.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Establish clear order and accountability in your life, just as the Abbot does in the monastery.
- Be mindful of your actions and decisions, knowing that you will be held accountable for them.
- Discipline yourself and others, just as the monastery disciplines its brethren.