Rule of Benedict 19
March 15, 2009
After a little hiatus because of illness, I come back to our daily look at Chapter 2:30-36.
The abbot ought always to remember what he is, and what he is called, and to know that to whom more is committed, more is required. And he must consider how difficult and arduous a task he has undertaken, of ruling souls and adapting himself to many dispositions. Let him so accommodate and suit himself to the character and intelligence of each, winning some by kindness, others by reproof, others by persuasion, that he may not only suffer no loss in the flock committed to him, but may even rejoice in their virtuous increase.
Above all let him not, overlooking or undervaluing the salvation of the souls entrusted to him, be more solicitous for fleeting, earthly, and perishable things; but let him ever bear in mind that he has undertaken the government of souls, of which he shall have to give account. And that he may not complain for want of worldly resources, let him remember what is written: Seek first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt 6:33), and again: Nothing is wanting to them that fear him (Ps 34:9).
Lectio: the one who is called by God to the vocation of the cure of souls has a great task that demands discernment and skill to evaluate the best way to help others reach their potential as followers of Christ. To whom much is committed much is required. Let your enabling equip me to the task you have chosen for me. Nothing is more serious than the task of helping others accomplish their God-given goals.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to model a willingness to be brought nearer to the ways of Christ so that others may also with our help be inclined to follow and walk with the Master. Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Do you consider that the task you have been given includes being in charge of souls? How do you dispense this charge toward those in your care?
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