========================================================================
  LET ALL KEEP THEIR PLACES IN THE MONASTERY
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of establishing and
maintaining order in the monastery, while also emphasizing
accountability and discipline.

Topics: "Church Discipline", "Spiritual Leadership"
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 3:1, Proverbs 22:6, Daniel 1:3, Colossians 3:23, 1 Timothy 5:1

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of order and discipline
within the monastery, highlighting the Abbot's role in maintaining
fairness and accountability in his decisions. The Abbot is urged to
consider the consequences of his actions before God and to avoid unjust
or arbitrary use of power. St. Benedict stresses that age or status
should not determine one's place in the monastery, citing examples of
young individuals who held positions of authority in the Bible.
Discipline is to be upheld for all, including boys, to ensure harmony
and respect within the community.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let all keep their places in the monastery

established by the time of their entrance,

the merit of their lives and the decision of the Abbot.

Yet the Abbot must not disturb the flock committed to him,

nor by an arbitrary use of his power ordain anything unjustly;

but let him always think

of the account he will have to render to God

for all his decisions and his deeds.

Therefore in that order which he has established

or which they already had,

let the brethren approach to receive the kiss of peace and Communion,

intone the Psalms and stand in choir.

And in no place whatever should age decide the order

or be prejudicial to it;

for Samuel and Daniel as mere boys judged priests.

Except for those already mentioned, therefore,

whom the Abbot has promoted by a special decision

or demoted for definite reasons,

all the rest shall take their order

according to the time of their entrance.

Thus, for example,

he who came to the monastery at the second hour of the day,

whatever be his age or his dignity,

must know that he is junior

to one who came at the first hour of the day.

Boys, however, are to be kept under discipline

in all matters and by everyone.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/let-all-keep-their-places-in-the-monastery/
========================================================================