Becoming a Community of Disciples

Chapter 1: Legislative Teachings – Organization of the Monastery

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22 On Sunday all are to devote themselves to reading except those assigned various duties. 23 But if anyone is so negligent and lazy as to be unwilling or unable to meditate or read, he is to be given work to do so that he is not idle. 24 Brothers who are sick or weak are to be assigned such work or crafts that they will not be idle, and yet will not be oppressed by heavy labor and so driven away. 25 Such infirmities are to be taken into consideration by the Abbot. Rank in the Community (RBen §63) 1 They are to keep their rank in the monastery which the time of their entry and the merit of their lives determines, or as the Abbot constitutes. 2 For the Abbot is not to disturb the flock committed to him, nor, acting as if his power were unlimited, establish anything unjustly: 3 instead he is always to ponder that for all his judgments and deeds he will have to give an account to God (cf. Luke 16:2). 4 It is, therefore, in that order which he has constituted or which the brothers already have in relation to each other that they are to approach for the kiss of peace and Communion, intone 9 psalms, and stand in choir: 5 And in absolutely every place, age is not to decide the order or be prejudicial to it; 6 for Samuel and Daniel were children when they judged the elders (1 Sam 3; Dan 13:44–62). 7 Therefore, with the exception of those whom (as we have said) the Abbot, after taking advice promotes, or demotes for certain reasons; all the rest are to have the order of their entry: 8 thus, for example, one who enters the monastery at the second hour of the day must know that he is junior to one who came at the first hour, whatever his age or dignity.

9 Intone – sing.