========================================================================
  NOT ONLY IS THE BOON OF OBEDIENCE
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
========================================================================

Summary: Obedience is essential in a monastery as it leads to a closer
relationship with God.

Topics: "Monastic Obedience", "Christian Discipline"
Scripture References: Proverbs 13:1, Proverbs 15:10, Ephesians 5:21, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:5

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

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.

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

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.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/not-only-is-the-boon-of-obedience/
========================================================================