Benedictine Monks in London

Daily Reading from the Rule of St Benedict

CHAPTER 2: WHAT AN ABBOT SHOULD BE LIKE concluded
ABOVE all he must not shirk or undervalue the salvation of the souls put under his care, and take more trouble over things that are passing, earthly and perishable. Rather let him reflect that it is souls he has undertaken to rule, and for these he will have to render an account. And let him not make the excuse that means are lacking, but call to mind the words of Scripture: ‘Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.’ (Matt. 6), ‘Those who fear him have no want.’ (Ps. 33). Let him know that one who undertakes the ruling of souls must prepare himself for giving an account: whatever is the number of the brethren he knows are under his care, let him take it as certain that for every single one of these souls he will have to render an account to the Lord on the day of judgment, and without any doubt for his own soul as well. Thus facing always the coming trial of the shepherd for the sheep entrusted to his care, while he is careful about the accounts others will have to give, he is made solicitous about his own, and in providing by his advice for the healing of others, he finds himself cured of his own defects.