On the Prior of the Monastery
Dec. 22
It happens all too often that the appointment of a Prior gives rise to grave scandals in monasteries. For there are some who become inflated with the evil spirit of pride and consider themselves second Abbots. By usurping power they foster scandals and cause dissensions in the community. Especially does this happen in those places where the Prior is appointed by the same Bishop or the same Abbots who appoint the Abbot himself. What an absurd procedure this is can easily be seen; for it gives the Prior an occasion for becoming proud from the very time of his appointment, by putting the thought into his mind that he is freed from the authority of his Abbot: “For,” he will say to himself, “you were appointed by the same persons who appointed the Abbot.” From this source are stirred up envy, quarrels, detraction, rivalry, dissensions and disorders. For while the Abbot and the Prior are at variance, their souls cannot but be endangered by this dissension; and those who are under them, currying favour with one side or the other, go to ruin. The guilt for this dangerous state of affairs rests on the heads of those whose action brought about such disorder.
Reflection
St. Benedict detests the division caused by jealousy, rivalry, dissension etc., which destroy peace in a community or family. The desire to succeed, to come first, sets one against another in the world and in the monastery. But my worst enemy is often myself and my desire to come first above others. In order to become what in truth we really are we need to experience a wound of love followed by a radical renunciation of all that clings to our inmost self.
