Rule of Benedict 16
March 3, 2009
Rule of Benedict, Chapter 2:11-15
Therefore, when anyone receives the name of abbot he is to govern his disciples by a twofold teaching: that is he must show forth all that is good and holy more by deeds than by words; declaring to receptive disciples the commandments of the Lord with words, but demonstrating the divine precepts to the stubborn and the simple-minded by the example of his deeds. And it should be seen in his teaching and in his actions that those things contrary to the law of God are not to be done, lest while preaching to others he himself be found reprobate (1 Cor 9:27); and God say to him in his sin: How is it that you receive my justice and declare my covenant with your mouth, when you hate discipline and cast my words behind you (Ps 50:16-17)? And also this: How is it that you can see a speck in your brother’s eye, and not notice the plank in your own (Matt 7:3)?
Lectio: This passage reminds me of Paul’s words when he said in 1 Cor 11:1 “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ Jesus.” Leading the people we serve by modeling imitation of Christ is the cry of the heart. Paul, the abbot of Christ’s followers in Corinth, is confident not in his own model of ministry, or one which is borrowed from somewhere, but the model he believes is Christ’s model of being and doing. Surely until I have imitated Christ I cannot truly model discipleship to him.
Dallas Willard insists on asking us: Who is your teacher? If you are a disciple, who teaches you the life of a disciple? Who’s your model, whom do you imitate? What do you think of this statement: The main task of a leader, pastor, abbot, is to become like Christ so others may also become Christ-like. That’s the first calling.
Have we made calling the ministries we do such as preaching, or teaching? while neglecting the higher calling of imitation of him?
Do you ever struggle with the question? Or not? What do you consider to be your main role as a leader of the people of God?
Prayer: Lord, make me like you. Train like you, live like you did, relate the way you did, love as you did, live for others as you did. Till others see Jesus in me, Lord make me faithful be to thee. Amen. Christ, have mercy.
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