Benedict shifts our attention from prayer to community structure. All of us are limited in what we can do. Our sphere of responsibility can stretch to a point, but no further. Jethro wisely told Moses to appoint assistants to help provide for the needs of people as they grew into a nation. Likewise, St. Benedict begins to provide structure to care for the needs of community. He basically suggests appointing a “team leader” for groups of ten monks. There are several important lessons for us living in or out of monastery. In no order of precedence, there are lessons of attitude of leaders, demonstrated wisdom, and discipline.
The attitude of the dean is based on one’s willingness to accept responsibility rather than an aspiration of authority. The leadership role is a sacred trust placed in the person committed to enabling others to achieve their richest relationship with God and their neighbor. Ideally as an enabler, these leaders are selfless in their recognition. They realize they are simply stewards of the Abbot who is simply a steward of Christ. Thereby we all live as servants of the Lord, and brothers and sisters of one another. Leadership, in the Benedictine tradition is servantship. One who aspires to title or authority will eventually be called to sacrifice their aspiration if they are to be effective as a leader.
St. Benedict clarifies potential misunderstandings around the term “rank” in the community. In other passages of The Rule he defines rank as the date of one’s vowed entry into the community. Rank is not defined by office, ordained or laity. Instead, rank is merely indicated by time. As the youngest son of my family of origin, I will never “rank” over my elder brothers. However, during our military careers I was promoted to positions that were senior to them all. Position never defined worth. Likewise, position within the community is not a function of rank, but ability. Perhaps the greatest enabler is the heart that yearns to serve rather than be seen. With such an attitude, learning can be formed to enable greater service. St. Benedict offers the criteria for leaders “to be chosen for virtuous living and wise teaching, not for their rank.”[1] One’s compassionate heart and demonstrated wisdom were evidence of qualification for one’s position to care for others.
The practice of servant leadership is a refining fire that illuminates the authentic virtues and wisdom of the person. Wisdom has been defined as grace under fire. Until the person sits in the seat of responsibility their knowledge is theoretical. Once the mantle of position is bestowed on the person then their ability to lead is revealed. St. Benedict recognized that everyone thought capable of greater responsibility may not be able to assume the role. He provided a means of providing counsel and correction to help the growth of leaders. When we demonstrate immaturity, our elders are to offer counsel. We are not removed from responsibility too quickly, even when the flaw of leadership is fueled by pride and conceit. Instead, we are counseled multiple times. Finally, after pride has proven itself too large of a stumbling block to be overcome by the young leader, they must be replaced for the good of the community.
This rule is wise for a cloistered monastic community, but what is its value to those of us who live daily outside the walls of the abbey? Each reader is encouraged to ask yourself that question. I will share my thoughts. Each of these lessons challenge me to consider my relationship with others in every aspect of my life; home, work, community. I must consider my attitude as I relate to others. Where do I seek to enable others to greater realization of their relationship with God? How am I getting in between others and God so that I am recognized? When do I confess my pride and surrender it so that my relationship to God is my goal? What wisdom do I demonstrate to others? Is it my personal wisdom or do I seek to learn God’s wisdom? Do I insist on my thoughts, or do I seek to hear the message behind the words of others? Do I try to sell others on my beliefs, or do I seek to live as the incarnation of Jesus Christ? Do I fear that I alone am responsible for the salvation of another, or do I realize that it is God who draws us to Himself? Finally, am I open to discipline by those who love me and desire for me what I should desire for others – deeper relationship with God? Where do I need to look for the seeds of self-pride? How do I intentionally seek to allow the Holy Spirit to purge me of those seeds, sacrificing them to submit to God’s authority? Am I willing to step aside and let God reign? These are the personal lessons that I gain from this chapter of The Rule. What are your lessons?
