Whether Brethren Who Leave the Monastery
Should Be Received Again
July 6
If a brother who through his own fault leaves the monastery should wish to return, let him first promise full reparation for his having gone away; and then let him be received in the lowest place, as a test of his humility. And if he should leave again, let him be taken back again, and so a third time; but he should understand that after this all way of return is denied him.
Reflection
The daily life of each one of us is subject to fluctuations, and we have to realise that conversion is the beginning of a combat that will continue every day for the rest of our lives. In our response to God we will experience times of both fervent progress and discouraging retreat. This instability is intended to provide a lesson in discernment. We need to understand what is happening within us if we are to stand firm without fail and never forsake our Oblate’s promises.
