From the Rule
Let the Abbot exercise the utmost care and concern for delinquent brethren, for “it is not the healthy but the sick who need a physician” (Matt 9:12) . . . He ought to use every means that a wise physician would use . . .
. . . Let him imitate the loving example of the Good Shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep in the mountains and went to look for the one sheep that had gone astray, on whose weakness He had such compassion that He deigned to place it on His own sacred shoulders in order to carry it back to the flock (Luke 15:5).
Reflection
Sending someone away for the sake of the community does not mean that the one who is banished is gone from our hearts and our prayers. Love and, when needed, care follow that one as long as they are needed.
Easier said than done, right? Often, necessary discipline is accompanied by feelings of disappointment—if not anger and disgust—toward the offender. We don’t necessarily want to think about that person again or be reminded of the offenses that led to the decision for exclusion. Our response is good riddance.
But this is not Jesus’s teaching or the guidance from Benedict. Jesus taught us to love our enemies. His examples of the prodigal son and parable of the good shepherd tell us to leave open the hope for repentance and return of the one who has grieved us.
Prayer
Merciful God, help me to love the sinner and welcome back the lost one. Amen.
Improbable Benedictine 