On Calling the Brethren for Counsel
May 17
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.
Reflection
Let us listen to the voice of God Who can speak through someone around us; so we have to listen and to be open to all that we hear from others. However, in the monastery it is the Abbot who eventually takes the decision. For us outside it is very difficult trying to practise obedience. How can we judge whether a decision is the will of God and not simply our own idea? But the Abbot himself has the same problem, and what does he do? He invokes the Holy Spirit and asks for a breath of inspiration. Well then, let us do the same!
