If an Abbot Desire
St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience in the ordained, and warns against the dangers of self-exaltation and pride.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience for priests and deacons ordained in a monastery. He warns against self-exaltation, pride, and acting beyond what is commanded by the Abbot, stressing the need for discipline and adherence to the Rule. The ordained individuals are reminded to maintain their assigned place in the monastery, except when duties at the altar or community choice warrant a change. Disobedience and refusal to reform may lead to removal from the monastery, highlighting the seriousness of submission and obedience to the Rule.
Text
If an Abbot desire
to have a priest or a deacon ordained for his monastery,
let him choose one
who is worthy to exercise the priestly office.
But let the one who is ordained
beware of self-exaltation or pride;
and let him not presume to do anything
except what is commanded him by the Abbot,
knowing that he is so much the more subject
to the discipline of the Rule.
Nor should he by reason of his priesthood forget
the obedience and the discipline required by the Rule,
but make ever more and more progress towards God.
Let him always keep the place which he received
on entering the monastery,
except in his duties at the altar
or in case the choice of the community and the will of the Abbot
should promote him for the worthiness of his life.
Yet he must understand
that he is to observe the rules laid down by deans and Priors.
Should he presume to act otherwise,
let him be judged not as a priest but as a rebel.
And if he does not reform after repeated admonitions,
let even the Bishop be brought in as a witness.
If then he still fails to amend,
and his offenses are notorious,
let him be put out of the monastery,
but only if his contumacy is such
that he refuses to submit or to obey the Rule.
Sermon Outline
- Choosing a Priest or Deacon
- Select one worthy to exercise the priestly office
- Consider the candidate's character and qualifications
Key Quotes
“Let him always keep the place which he received on entering the monastery.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Should he presume to act otherwise, let him be judged not as a priest but as a rebel.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Let him be put out of the monastery, but only if his contumacy is such that he refuses to submit or to obey the Rule.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- As a follower of Christ, I must always maintain humility and be willing to submit to authority.
- I must be careful not to let my position or role lead to pride and self-exaltation.
- I must always follow the rules and guidelines set by my leaders and the community.