Let Her Make No Distinction of Persons in the Monastery
The sermon emphasizes the importance of equality and fairness in the monastery, where all members should be treated equally and with love, regardless of their social status or birth.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of not showing favoritism or making distinctions based on worldly status within the monastery. He encourages equal treatment and love for all, regardless of background or social standing, unless there are valid reasons for differentiation. St. Benedict reminds the community that in Christ, there is unity and equality, and that God does not show partiality. The focus should be on good works, obedience, and humility as criteria for any preferential treatment, with the Abbess tasked to maintain fairness and discipline for all.
Text
Let her make no distinction of persons in the monastery. Let her not love one more than another, unless it be one whom she finds better in good works or in obedience. Let her not advance one of noble birth ahead of one who was formerly a slave, unless there be some other reasonable ground for it. But if the Abbess for just reason think fit to do so, let her advance one of any rank whatever. Otherwise let them keep their due places; because, whether slaves or free, we are all one in Christ (Gal. 3:28) and bear in equal burden of service in the army of the same Lord. For with God there is no respect of persons (Rom. 2:11).
Only for one reason are we preferred in His sight: if we be found better than others in good works and humility.
Therefore let the Abbess show equal love to all and impose the same discipline on all according to their deserts.
Sermon Outline
- Equality in the Monastery
- No favoritism based on birth or status
- Equality in God's sight
- No respect of persons
- Preferred based on good works and humility
Key Quotes
“Let her make no distinction of persons in the monastery.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“We are all one in Christ (Gal. 3:28) and bear in equal burden of service in the army of the same Lord.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“For with God there is no respect of persons (Rom. 2:11).” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Treat others with equal love and respect, regardless of their social status or birth.
- Do not show favoritism based on external factors, but rather on the quality of one's character and actions.
- Remember that we are all equal in God's sight and bear an equal burden of service in the army of the same Lord.