The Abbess Should Always Remember What She Is
The Abbess must remember her position and calling, adapt to different characters, and strive to maintain a good flock through her leadership.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance for an abbess to remember her calling and the responsibility that comes with it, as those entrusted with more are required to do more. He highlights the challenging task of ruling souls and the need to adapt to different personalities, using various approaches such as coaxing, scolding, or persuading based on individual characteristics. The abbess is urged to adjust and relate to each person in a way that not only maintains the flock but also leads to its growth and flourishing.
Text
The Abbess should always remember what she is and what she is called, and should know that to whom more is committed, from her more is required (Luke 12:48). Let her understand also what a difficult and arduous task she has undertaken: ruling souls and adapting herself to a variety of characters. One she must coax, another scold, another persuade, according to each one's character and understanding. Thus she must adjust and adapt herself to all in such a way that she may not only suffer no loss in the flock committed to her care, but may even rejoice in the increase of a good flock.
Sermon Outline
- The Abbess's Role and Responsibility
- The Challenges of Ruling Souls
- Maintaining a Good Flock
- Suffering no loss
- Rejoicing in growth
Key Quotes
“The Abbess should always remember what she is and what she is called” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Ruling souls and adapting herself to a variety of characters” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Thus she must adjust and adapt herself to all in such a way that she may not only suffer no loss in the flock committed to her care, but may even rejoice in the increase of a good flock” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- As leaders, we must be aware of our position and calling, and understand the responsibility that comes with it.
- We must adapt our approach to different individuals, using methods such as coaxing, scolding, or persuading to achieve our goals.
- Our goal as leaders should be to suffer no loss and to rejoice in the growth and increase of those under our care.