When Anyone Is Engaged in Any Sort of Work
In this sermon, St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of accountability, confession, and correction in the workplace and in spiritual life.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of accountability and confession in the context of work and spiritual life. He highlights the need for individuals to take responsibility for their faults and transgressions by confessing them openly to the community or a spiritual mentor. St. Benedict also stresses the value of seeking help for hidden sins from a trusted spiritual guide who can provide healing without exposing one's vulnerabilities to the public.
Text
When anyone is engaged in any sort of work,
whether in the kitchen, in the cellar, in a shop,
in the bakery, in the garden, while working at some craft,
or in any other place,
and she commits some fault,
or breaks something, or loses something,
or transgresses in any other way whatsoever,
if she does not come immediately
before the Abbess and the community
of her own accord
to make satisfaction and confess her fault,
then when it becomes known through another,
let her be subjected to a more severe correction.
But if the sin-sickness of the soul is a hidden one,
let her reveal it only to the Abbess or to a spiritual mother,
who knows how to cure her own and others' wounds
without exposing them and making them public.
Sermon Outline
- Work and Accountability
- Confession and Correction
- Hidden Sins and Spiritual Guidance
- Confession to a spiritual mother
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Accountability to the community
Key Quotes
“if she does not come immediately before the Abbess and the community to make satisfaction and confess her fault” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“let her reveal it only to the Abbess or to a spiritual mother, who knows how to cure her own and others' wounds without exposing them and making them public” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Be accountable for your actions and confess your faults immediately to the community.
- Seek spiritual guidance from a trusted leader or mentor when dealing with hidden sins or struggles.
- Prioritize making satisfaction and receiving correction to grow and learn from your mistakes.