Let the Brethren Who Are Sent on a Journey
St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of prayer, obedience, and humility in the lives of monks, especially when traveling or returning to the monastery.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of seeking prayers and support from fellow brethren before embarking on a journey, as well as the need for humility and repentance upon returning, acknowledging any faults or temptations encountered. He also stresses the significance of guarding one's speech and actions, especially when outside the monastery, to avoid causing harm or distractions. Disobedience to the Abbot's orders is met with punishment, highlighting the discipline and obedience required within the monastery.
Text
Let the brethren who are sent on a journey
commend themselves
to the prayers of all the brethren and of the Abbot;
and always at the last prayer of the Work of God
let a commemoration be made of all absent brethren.
When brethren return from a journey,
at the end of each canonical Hour of the Work of God
on the day they return,
let them lie prostrate on the floor of the oratory
and beg the prayers of all
on account of any faults
that may have surprised them on the road,
through the seeing or hearing of something evil,
or through idle talk.
And let no one presume to tell another
whatever he may have seen or heard outside of the monastery,
because this causes very great harm.
But if anyone presumes to do so,
let him undergo the punishment of the Rule.
And let him be punished likewise who would presume
to leave the enclosure of the monastery
and go anywhere or do anything, however small,
without an order from the Abbot.
Sermon Outline
- Preparation for Journey
- Return from Journey
- Conduct Outside Monastery
- No idle talk
- Punishment for disobedience
Key Quotes
“And let no one presume to tell another whatever he may have seen or heard outside of the monastery, because this causes very great harm.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“But if anyone presumes to do so, let him undergo the punishment of the Rule.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- When traveling, always commend yourself to the prayers of your brethren and the Abbot.
- Upon returning from a journey, be humble and beg the prayers of all for any faults you may have committed.
- Remember that idle talk and disobedience can cause great harm and lead to punishment.