Becoming a Community of Disciples

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Becoming a Community of Disciples

The Reception of Guests (RBen §53) 1 All guests who present themselves are to be received as Christ, for He will say: I was a stranger and you took me in (Matt 25:35). 2 And to everyone fitting honor is to be shown, especially to those of the household of faith (Gal 6:10) and to pilgrims. 3 When, therefore, a guest is announced, he is to be met by the superior and the brothers with every ceremony of love: 4 thus first they are to pray together, and thus be united to one another in peace. 5 But this kiss of peace is not to be offered until prayer has first been said on account of the illusions of the devil. 6 And in this very salutation all humility is to be shown to all arriving or departing guests: 7 by bowing the head or prostrating the whole body on the ground Christ is to be adored in them just as he is received in them. 8 And having been received the guests are to be led to prayer, and afterwards the superior or anyone he appoints is to sit with them. 9 The divine law is to be read to the guest for his edification, and afterwards all kindness is to be shown him. 10 The superior is to break his fast for the sake of the guest, unless it happens to be a principal fast- day which cannot be broken: 11 the brothers, however, are to follow their customary fast. 12 Water is to be poured on the hands of the guests by the Abbot, 13 and the feet of all guests are to be washed by the Abbot and the whole community. 14 After the washing they are to say this verse: We have received your mercy, O God, in the midst of your temple (Ps 48:10).