Becoming a Community of Disciples

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Becoming a Community of Disciples

be not saddened; 4 and one who requires more should be humbled because of his infirmity—not exalted by the mercy shown him, 5 and in this way all the members may be at peace. 6 Above all, the evil of murmuring must not appear for any reason, through any word or sign whatever: 7 if someone is found guilty of this he is to be subjected to very severe discipline. The Sick Brothers (RBen §36) 1 Care of the sick must rank before and above everything, so that they may truly be served as Christ Himself, 2 for He said: I was sick and you visited me (Matt 25:36) 3 and, Whatever you did for one of these who are least, you did for me (Matt 25:40). 4 But the sick are themselves to consider that they are served out of honor for God, and they are not to sadden their brothers who serve them with superfluous demands; 5 Yet they are to be patiently borne with, because from such as these a more abundant reward is acquired. 6 The Abbot shall therefore exercise the greatest care that they not suffer any neglect. 7 These brothers who are sick are to be assigned a separate room and a God-fearing attendant who is also diligent and solicitous. 5 8 Baths may be offered the sick whenever this is helpful, but those who are healthy, especially the young are to be allowed this less frequently. 9 Additionally, the sick who are very weak may be allowed to eat meat to recover their strength; but when they are better, all are to abstain from meat as usual. 6

5 Solicitous – caring. 6 It was unusual for monks to take frequent baths, and they often did not eat meat.