Holy Rule for April 29
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St. Mary's Monastery
Apr 28, 2026, 5:06:15 PM (2 days ago) Apr 28
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Br. Jerome Leo’s Daily Reflection on the Holy Rule
April 29, August 29, December 29
Chapter 71: That the Brethren Be Obedient to One Another
Not only is the boon of obedience to be shown by all to the Abbot, but the brethren are also to obey one another, knowing that by this road of obedience they are going to God. Giving priority, therefore, to the commands of the Abbot and of the Superior appointed by him (to which we allow no private orders to be preferred), for the rest let all the juniors obey their seniors with all charity and solicitude. But if anyone is found contentious, let him be corrected.
And if any brother, for however small a cause, is corrected in any way by the Abbot or by any of his Superiors, or if he faintly perceives that the mind of any Superior is angered or moved against him, however little, let him at once, without delay, prostrate himself on the ground at his feet and lie there making satisfaction until that emotion is quieted with a blessing. But if anyone should disdain to do this, let him undergo corporal punishment or, if he is stubborn, let him be expelled.
REFLECTION
My friend, Fr. Damian of St. Leo Abbey, once said: "If it gives him so much pleasure and causes me so little pain, why not?" Great philosophy! It is very easy to let people have their way in reasonable requests and it goes a very long way to strengthen peace, security and unity. Say a prayer for Fr. Damian’s eternal rest, he died in 2015, nearly 97 years old.
Think of how people are described who answer any request with cheerful action: "She's someone you can count on." Well, we all ought to be able to count on one another. If you are a Benedictine in a situation where people are not dependable in this fashion, try being a counterwitness. Let people count on you. Then, when their hearts soften a bit, tell 'em what Father Damian said. If even one person changes, the world will be better.
Not all obedience is equal, even this chapter points that out. Obeying the abbot is one thing, obeying each other is quite another. But there is a connection to ALL obedience. Sometimes obeying a co- worker is a lot easier than obeying the boss, yet these small steps of compliance also strengthen us. Obeying each other can be a back door way into some real growth in obedience. The key to obedience is learning to control, even forsake our own will. Any good effort in that direction will yield results.
Want some really deep theological perspective? Obeying each other simply makes us nicer people. Become that person who always tries to oblige others, it isn't that hard to learn! As a Southern nurse I used to work with once said: "Anybody can be a skunk at a garden party if they want to, but why bother?" She and Father Damian are both right: it is easy to let others live. Say a prayer for nurse B.’s eternal rest, too, please.
Br. Jerome Leo Hughes, OSB (RIP)
Br. Jerome Leo’s Daily Reflection on the Holy Rule
April 29, August 29, December 29
Chapter 71: That the Brethren Be Obedient to One Another
Not only is the boon of obedience to be shown by all to the Abbot, but the brethren are also to obey one another, knowing that by this road of obedience they are going to God. Giving priority, therefore, to the commands of the Abbot and of the Superior appointed by him (to which we allow no private orders to be preferred), for the rest let all the juniors obey their seniors with all charity and solicitude. But if anyone is found contentious, let him be corrected.
And if any brother, for however small a cause, is corrected in any way by the Abbot or by any of his Superiors, or if he faintly perceives that the mind of any Superior is angered or moved against him, however little, let him at once, without delay, prostrate himself on the ground at his feet and lie there making satisfaction until that emotion is quieted with a blessing. But if anyone should disdain to do this, let him undergo corporal punishment or, if he is stubborn, let him be expelled.
REFLECTION
My friend, Fr. Damian of St. Leo Abbey, once said: "If it gives him so much pleasure and causes me so little pain, why not?" Great philosophy! It is very easy to let people have their way in reasonable requests and it goes a very long way to strengthen peace, security and unity. Say a prayer for Fr. Damian’s eternal rest, he died in 2015, nearly 97 years old.
Think of how people are described who answer any request with cheerful action: "She's someone you can count on." Well, we all ought to be able to count on one another. If you are a Benedictine in a situation where people are not dependable in this fashion, try being a counterwitness. Let people count on you. Then, when their hearts soften a bit, tell 'em what Father Damian said. If even one person changes, the world will be better.
Not all obedience is equal, even this chapter points that out. Obeying the abbot is one thing, obeying each other is quite another. But there is a connection to ALL obedience. Sometimes obeying a co- worker is a lot easier than obeying the boss, yet these small steps of compliance also strengthen us. Obeying each other can be a back door way into some real growth in obedience. The key to obedience is learning to control, even forsake our own will. Any good effort in that direction will yield results.
Want some really deep theological perspective? Obeying each other simply makes us nicer people. Become that person who always tries to oblige others, it isn't that hard to learn! As a Southern nurse I used to work with once said: "Anybody can be a skunk at a garden party if they want to, but why bother?" She and Father Damian are both right: it is easy to let others live. Say a prayer for nurse B.’s eternal rest, too, please.
Br. Jerome Leo Hughes, OSB (RIP)
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