Not Only Is the Boon of Obedience
Obedience is essential in a monastery as it leads to a closer relationship with God.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of obedience within the monastery, instructing the brethren to obey the Abbot and each other as a path to God. He stresses the need to prioritize the commands of the Abbot and appointed Superiors above all else, with no private orders to be preferred. Juniors are urged to obey their seniors with love and care, while any contentious behavior is to be corrected promptly. Those corrected by the Abbot or Superiors are advised to humbly seek reconciliation and make amends to restore peace, with consequences for those who refuse to comply.
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Not only is the boon of obedience
to be shown by all to the Abbot,
but the brethren are also to obey one another,
knowing that by this road of obedience they are going to God.
Giving priority, therefore, to the commands of the Abbot
and of the Superior appointed by him
(to which we allow no private orders to be preferred),
for the rest
let all the juniors obey their seniors
with all charity and solicitude.
But if anyone is found contentious,
let him be corrected.
And if any brother,
for however small a cause,
is corrected in any way by the Abbot or by any of his Superiors,
or if he faintly perceives
that the mind of any Superior is angered or moved against him,
however little,
let him at once, without delay,
prostrate himself on the ground at his feet
and lie there making satisfaction
until that emotion is quieted with a blessing.
But if anyone should disdain to do this,
let him undergo corporal punishment
or, if he is stubborn, let him be expelled from the monastery.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Obedience
- Prioritizing Commands
- Correcting Disobedience
- Consequences of Disobedience
- Corporal Punishment
- Expulsion from the Monastery
Key Quotes
“Not only is the boon of obedience to be shown by all to the Abbot, but the brethren are also to obey one another, knowing that by this road of obedience they are going to God.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Prioritize obedience to your spiritual leaders and superiors.
- Obey your brethren with charity and solicitude.
- Make satisfaction to a Superior if you have disobeyed them.