On Calling the Brethren for Counsel
Jan. 16—May 17—Sept. 16
Whenever any important business has to be done in the monastery, let the
Abbot call together the whole community and state the matter to be acted
upon. Then, having heard the brethren’s advice, let him turn the matter
over in his own mind and do what he shall judge to be most expedient.
The reason we have said that all should be called for counsel is that
the Lord often reveals to the younger what is best.
Let the brethren give their advice with all the deference required by
humility, and not presume stubbornly to defend their opinions; but let
the decision rather depend on the Abbot’s judgment, and all submit to
whatever he shall decide for their welfare.
However, just as it is proper for the disciples to obey their master, so
also it is his function to dispose all things with prudence and justice.
Jan. 17—May 18—Sept. 17
In all things, therefore, let all follow the Rule as guide, and let no
one be so rash as to deviate from it. Let no one in the monastery follow
his own heart’s fancy; and let no one presume to contend with his Abbot
in an insolent way or even outside of the monastery. But if anyone
should presume to do so, let him undergo the discipline of the Rule. At
the same time, the Abbot himself should do all things in the fear of God
and in observance of the Rule, knowing that beyond a doubt he will have
to render an account of all his decisions to God, the most just Judge.
But if the business to be done in the interests of the monastery be of
lesser importance, let him take counsel with the seniors only. It is
written, “Do everything with counsel, and you will not repent when you
have done it.”