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  IN ALL THINGS, THEREFORE, LET ALL FOLLOW THE RULE AS GUIDE
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Rule as
a guide for community life and the necessity of humility and obedience
within the monastery.

Topics: "Spiritual Discipline", "Church Authority"

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of following the Rule
as a guide in all things, warning against deviating from it and
following personal desires. He cautions against challenging authority,
especially the Abbot, and advises discipline for those who do so. The
Abbot is reminded to act in the fear of God, knowing he will be held
accountable for his decisions. When dealing with less important matters,
the Abbot is encouraged to seek counsel from the seniors, as advised in
Ecclesiastes 32:24.

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CONTENT
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In all things, therefore, let all follow the Rule as guide,

and let no one be so rash as to deviate from it.

Let no one in the monastery follow his own heart's fancy;

and let no one presume to contend with his Abbot

in an insolent way or even outside of the monastery.

But if anyone should presume to do so,

let him undergo the discipline of the Rule.

At the same time,

the Abbot himself should do all things in the fear of God

and in observance of the Rule,

knowing that beyond a doubt

he will have to render an account of all his decisions

to God, the most just Judge.

But if the business to be done in the interests of the monastery

be of lesser importance,

let him take counsel with the seniors only.

It is written,

"Do everything with counsel,

and you will not repent when you have done it" (Eccles. 32:24).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/in-all-things-therefore-let-all-follow-the-rule-as-guide/
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