Holy Rule for May 15
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St. Mary's Monastery
May 14, 2026, 5:25:00 PMMay 14
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Br. Jerome Leo’s Daily Reflection on the Holy Rule
January 14, May 15, September 14
Chapter 2: What Kind of Person the Abbess Ought to Be (30-32)
The Abbess should always remember what she is and what she is called, and should know that to whom more is committed, from her more is required (Luke 12:48). Let her understand also what a difficult and arduous task she has undertaken: ruling souls and adapting herself to a variety of characters. One she must coax, another scold, another persuade, according to each one's character and understanding. Thus she must adjust and adapt herself to all in such a way that she may not only suffer no loss in the flock committed to her care, but may even rejoice in the increase of a good flock.
REFLECTION
We have seen a lot of things that lessen the culpability of parents, abbots, and those in charge. St. Benedict, however, is the relentless fan of balance, so here come a couple of zingers that cannot be overlooked. In its purest form, Christian authority is a precious stone, indeed, but the gold in which that stone is set is responsibility. Because the abbess has the ultimate authority to make decisions alone, she ultimately has the responsibility, too. Try to shirk that and everyone suffers.
Delegation does not end that responsibility. Give one man or woman that much power and the buck really does stop there. Hard saying, but St. Benedict cites Jesus Himself as remarking that more is required of those to whom so much has been committed. There may be elements that qualify and reduce that expectation of more, but there is no way to remove it altogether.
Tucked in the folds of this portion is another warning. The abbot or parent must recall that they have undertaken a difficult and arduous task. One can wish to be an abbot or parent for utterly wrong reasons. Grace can overcome these, but if the parent or abbot does not cooperate with the grace, trouble ensues.
Jesus washed feet, telling us He was giving us an example and mandate. (Why do you think the ceremony of foot washing got named "Mandatum"? That's where we got the English term "Maundy Thursday".)
Jesus still washes feet with our hands today. Mothers and fathers can tell you that their authority requires them to clean a good deal more than just feet! Parents and nurses who are faced with some of the most disgusting stuff to clean up can be absolutely certain that their hands are the hands of Christ in that moment.
Wouldn't it be a better world if such loving humility was required of all in authority? If Jesus could do it as God, what lesser official dares quibble with His standards?
Br. Jerome Leo Hughes, OSB (RIP)
Br. Jerome Leo’s Daily Reflection on the Holy Rule
January 14, May 15, September 14
Chapter 2: What Kind of Person the Abbess Ought to Be (30-32)
The Abbess should always remember what she is and what she is called, and should know that to whom more is committed, from her more is required (Luke 12:48). Let her understand also what a difficult and arduous task she has undertaken: ruling souls and adapting herself to a variety of characters. One she must coax, another scold, another persuade, according to each one's character and understanding. Thus she must adjust and adapt herself to all in such a way that she may not only suffer no loss in the flock committed to her care, but may even rejoice in the increase of a good flock.
REFLECTION
We have seen a lot of things that lessen the culpability of parents, abbots, and those in charge. St. Benedict, however, is the relentless fan of balance, so here come a couple of zingers that cannot be overlooked. In its purest form, Christian authority is a precious stone, indeed, but the gold in which that stone is set is responsibility. Because the abbess has the ultimate authority to make decisions alone, she ultimately has the responsibility, too. Try to shirk that and everyone suffers.
Delegation does not end that responsibility. Give one man or woman that much power and the buck really does stop there. Hard saying, but St. Benedict cites Jesus Himself as remarking that more is required of those to whom so much has been committed. There may be elements that qualify and reduce that expectation of more, but there is no way to remove it altogether.
Tucked in the folds of this portion is another warning. The abbot or parent must recall that they have undertaken a difficult and arduous task. One can wish to be an abbot or parent for utterly wrong reasons. Grace can overcome these, but if the parent or abbot does not cooperate with the grace, trouble ensues.
Jesus washed feet, telling us He was giving us an example and mandate. (Why do you think the ceremony of foot washing got named "Mandatum"? That's where we got the English term "Maundy Thursday".)
Jesus still washes feet with our hands today. Mothers and fathers can tell you that their authority requires them to clean a good deal more than just feet! Parents and nurses who are faced with some of the most disgusting stuff to clean up can be absolutely certain that their hands are the hands of Christ in that moment.
Wouldn't it be a better world if such loving humility was required of all in authority? If Jesus could do it as God, what lesser official dares quibble with His standards?
Br. Jerome Leo Hughes, OSB (RIP)
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