Becoming a Community of Disciples

Chapter 2: Legislative Teachings – The Role of the Abbot

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all these things will be added unto you (Matt 6:33), 36 and again: Nothing is lacking to those who fear him (Ps 34:9). 37 And he must know that he who has received the ruling of souls, must prepare himself to render an account of them: 38 and whatever the number of brothers under his care, he should know for certain that on the Day of Judgment he must render an account of all these souls to the Lord—and without doubt of his own soul as well. 39 And therefore, always fearful of the future judgment of the shepherd concerning the flock entrusted to him and thus carefully considerate of others, he will also be solicitous 1 of what he must render that is his: 40 and so, in obtaining by his admonitions the amendment of others, he will also amend his own vices. Summoning the Brothers for Counsel (RBen §3) 1 Whenever anything important has to be done in the monastery, the Abbot is to convoke the whole community, and himself declare the proposed action: 2 and having heard the counsel of the brothers, he is to ponder it over within himself and then do what he judges most appropriate. 3 Now, we have said that all should be called to council because it is often to the younger that the Lord reveals what is best. 4 But the brothers are to give their counsel with all the submissiveness of humility, and not presume insolently to defend their own views: 5 it is, rather, on the Abbot’s decision that the matter depends, so that when he has judged what is most beneficial, all may obey. 6 Yet, even as it is natural for disciples to obey their master, so it is appropriate for him to settle everything with foresight and justice.

1 Solicitous – caring.