In Her Teaching
The Abbess should use a balanced teaching style, combining reproof, entreatment, and rebuke to discipline and correct the faults of her community.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance for the Abbess to follow the Apostle's formula of 'Reprove, entreat, rebuke' as mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:2. She should adjust her approach based on the individual's behavior, being stern with the undisciplined, encouraging the obedient, and correcting the negligent. The Abbess is urged to address faults promptly and decisively, drawing from the example of Heli, the priest of Silo in 1 Kings 2-4.
Text
In her teaching
the Abbess should always follow the Apostle's formula:
"Reprove, entreat, rebuke" (2 Tim. 4:2);
threatening at one time and coaxing at another
as the occasion may require,
showing now the stern countenance of a mistress,
now the loving affection of a mother.
That is to say,
it is the undisciplined and restless
whom she must reprove rather sharply;
it is the obedient, meek and patient
whom she must entreat to advance in virtue;
while as for the negligent and disdainful,
these we charge her to rebuke and correct.
And let her not shut her eyes to the faults of offenders;
but, since she has the authority,
let her cut out those faults by the roots
as soon as they begin to appear,
remembering the fate of Heli, the priest of Silo (1 Kings 2-4).
The well-disposed and those of good understanding
let her correct with verbal admonition the first and second time.
But bold, hard, proud and disobedient characters
she should curb at the very beginning of their ill-doing
by stripes and other bodily punishments,
knowing that it is written,
"the fool is not corrected with words" (Prov. 18:2; 29:19),
and again,
"Beat your son with the rod,
and you will deliver his soul from death" (Prov. 23:13-14).
Sermon Outline
- The Abbess's Teaching Style
- Disciplining the Undisciplined
- Correcting Faults
- Cut Out Faults by the Roots
- Correct with Verbal Admonition
- Use Bodily Punishments for the Bold
Key Quotes
“Reprove, entreat, rebuke (2 Tim. 4:2); threatening at one time and coaxing at another as the occasion may require” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“The fool is not corrected with words (Prov. 18:2; 29:19)” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Beat your son with the rod, and you will deliver his soul from death (Prov. 23:13-14)” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Be willing to reprove others when necessary, even if it's uncomfortable.
- Use a balanced approach to discipline, combining verbal and physical correction when needed.
- Cut out faults by the roots as soon as they appear to prevent them from growing.