For more than 30 years, I served in the military. Among the many things I learned during that time was the peace one gains from the familiar. As I traveled from one base to another, there was a since of belonging. Regardless of where I went, there were common facilities where one could eat, sleep, find entertainment, and work. My fellow soldiers held common experiences of their military training. We shared a common language, and humor. The rank structure was evident, as were the rules and expectations of the community. Monastic life is similar in many ways. There is a common calling answered by those who follow this path. There is a common language, a common rhythm of the day, and a common set of norms – The Rule.
This chapter recognizes that monks will travel for various reasons and purposes. They may be on business or on pilgrimage. As they travel, they find comfort in the presence of other monastic communities. Therefore, they are welcomed. The familiar norms addressed in The Ruleprovides for expectations and responsibilities of both the host and the guest. The host welcomes the guest – AND – the guest is content with the accommodations provided by the host.
This mutual responsibility is shared through humility and yields peace as its product. The guest is welcome as long as he desires and accepts the generosity of the host. He may even provide some suggestions and observations, provided he offers these with humility and love. His observations are offered as a gift to others, rather than as demands for self. God may be speaking through the visitor. If so, one should hear God’s familiar voice of love in the message. If the visiting monk cannot abide by these responsibilities, then he is invited to leave. This is done to protect the community from divisiveness and maintain peace within.
Over time, the visiting monk may desire to join his host community. If so, there is a process for such a transfer. The process is totally transparent to all involved. Such a desire must be motivated out of the purest of purposes, and not motivated from contentions with one’s home community. Otherwise, one simply transfers their contentious nature from one place to another, damaging both. In the first chapter of The Rule, Benedict warns of gyrovagues, who wander from place to place pretending to desire monastic spirituality but motivated by personal gain. They didn’t get along well at home, so they do not get along very well anywhere. This is always very sad.
Those who are walking this monastic path are welcome to join with us. After participating with us, should they desire to join our community there are accommodations for that. After a period of time, should the community find them acceptable, they must receive permission from their home abbot (abbess) to transfer. If it is given, they may proceed. The good of all concerned is the goal.
Once the change is made, the Abbot will place them wherever he chooses in order and rank. Vowed brothers and sisters come with monastic experience that can bring wisdom. They are not entering as novices, but their place is based on the Abbot’s observation of their spiritual maturity and discipline.
