Rule of Benedict 20
March 16, 2009
Verses 37-40 close out chapter 2.
Let the abbot know that he who has undertaken the government of souls, must prepare himself to render an account of them. And whatever may be the number of the brethren under his care, let him be certainly assured that on the Day of Judgment he will have to give an account to the Lord of all these souls, as well as of his own. And thus, being ever fearful of the coming judgment of the shepherd concerning the state of the flock committed to him, while he is careful on others’ accounts, he will be solicitous also on his own. And so, while correcting others by his admonitions, he will be himself cured of his own defects.
Lectio: Hebrews 13:17 is inspiring this section of the Rule. It says this: Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Lord, I hear you saying that in correcting others, I would also pay attention to my own defects so that in the process of correcting others I too may be cured. The leader who humbly corrects others will be cured also by the very same correction.
Prayer: Lord, you have designed that the humble receive your correction even while correcting others. Help me to be willing to stand corrected in midst of correcting others. Amen. Lord, have mercy.
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