Perhaps one of the most challenging chapters, as well as one of the most critical, is this instruction concerning rank. Throughout The Rule, our blessed saint illustrates the importance of humility and equality. No one is more important than another. So, what is the place of rank in our community? This chapter provides for community structure and organization. These are key foundation stones for stability. Humility and honor are two sides of a common coin. Humility is my posture of myself. My honor is the posture taken toward others. When we call a priest “Father” we bestow honor toward one who God has called to lead His people and care for His sheep. It is honor bestowed to another. For me to demand privilege or recognition is a sign of pride, not humility. If I must demand it, then I probably do not possess it.
So, what to do with the concept of rank? Well, rank to the monastic spirit is very different than rank in the secular world. During my military career, I was familiar with the acronym “RHIP” meaning Rank Has Its Privileges.” There were required privileges for leaders to enable them to fulfill certain responsibilities. With such privileges, there were temptations to abuse them and demand them, even when they were superfluous to the task at hand.
To the monastic, the idea of rank is a source of stability. One always knows one’s position in the community, and the community knows the place of each member. Rank is honor given, not demanded by the one who holds his or her place. For that person, humility is the response to others.
Another aspect of rank is that it is not based on one’s skills and talent, or one’s potential. Rank is simply afforded to the place one holds when they enter the Order. One’s rank or position is based on when one becomes a brother or sister. St. Benedict set forth a great act of equality, humility, and a new definition of self in the group. Our backgrounds do not affirm or deny our value to the community. The the place each of us hold in the community is established only by the timing of God’s call to draw us into Religious Life and our submission response to His call. This is why “place” may be a better word for our contemporary understanding than “rank.”
Everyone has a special place in the Benedictine Community. That place is secure and can only be relinquished by the one who holds it. My place can only be threatened by my own conduct and attitude. This is why disciplines of displacement and excommunication are so severe. One can leave the community and return up to three times. However, each return restarts the order of the Order. Each time one returns, their place is that of a brand-new member.
The chapter teaches key lessons of demonstrating respect for others. The young differ to the older, respecting them for this life. Elders respect juniors by listening and valuing them. Again, the inward attitude of humility informs the outward behavior of respect. This is unique to our lives as monastics. It is an area where you are an icon of Christ to other communities, even (perhaps especially) the Church.
