Becoming a Community of Disciples

Chapter 6: Spiritual Teachings – Virtues and Discipline

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of age are to be kept under diligent and watchful discipline by all: 5 yet this too is to be done reasonably and with all measure. 6 For if anyone without precept from the Abbot presumes authority over those who are above that age, or if he acts towards children without discretion, he is to be subjected to the discipline of the Rule; 7 for it is written: What you do not wish done to you, do not do to another (Tob 4:16). The Good Zeal That Monks Ought to Have (RBen §72) 1 Just as there is an evil zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, 2 so there is a good zeal which separates from vices and leads to God and to life everlasting. 3 This zeal then, should be practiced by monks with the most fervent love. 4 That is: they should outdo one another in showing honor (Rom 12:10). 5 Let them most patiently endure one another’s infirmities, whether of body or of character. 6 Let them compete in showing obedience to one another. 7 None should follow what he judges useful for himself, but rather what is better for another: 8 They should practice fraternal charity with a pure love; 9 to God offering loving reverence, 10 loving their Abbot with sincere and humble affection, 11 preferring nothing whatever to Christ, 12 and may he bring us all together to life everlasting. Amen.

TheWhole Observance of Justice Is Not Contained in This Rule (RBen §73)

1 We have written this Rule so that, by observing it in monasteries, we may demonstrate that we have somewhat grasped honorable behavior and the beginnings of this way of life. 2 But for those hastening to the perfection of this way of life there are the teachings of the holy Fathers,