This chapter may cause us to laugh or gasp. We cannot imagine a community where the leader gives permission to hit one another. We are far too civilized for such behavior. Maybe we have discovered other ways to injure one another in less perceptible ways.
Sometimes we recognize that brothers and sisters cut others out of their lives. They effective excommunicate them. Saint Benedict forbids this behavior without the authority of the Abbot. When one reads chapter 2 and acknowledges the weight of responsibility on the Abbot, then one must also acknowledge that excommunication is only the failed attempt of much effort to reconcile the brother or sister. It is the product of many tears. It is not a whimsical decision based on emotions. It is highly unlikely the abbot would give permission to one brother or sister to cut another out of their lives. It is important that each member knows how to relate to every other member of our community. We must be careful never to allow one to become completely detached from another. As Benedictines, we are obligated to seek the good of one another. Our personalities may naturally be attracted to one more than another. However, St. Benedict encourages us to live into our faith and accept another just as they are; including their strengths AND weaknesses. We must live into our Lord’s summary of the Law and love every one of our brothers and sisters as our self.
