Monasticism with Jonathan

4:13 PM Thursday. Today's reading is Chapter 2: The Qualities of the Abbot (5) – The Rule of Benedict , together with the equivalent sections in RB 1980 and Commentary for Benedictine Oblates , including "Benedict's Understanding of the Abbot" in Appendix 2 ("The Abbot") of  RB 1980 . On page 521 of RB 1980 in Appendix 2 we read: "Father, teacher, shepherd, doctor, steward - these are the titles and functions attributed to abbot analogically in order to elucidate his role. The RM [Rule of the Master] contains one other that St. Benedict omitted: that of mother." It is also important to note this excerpt from page 523: "This passage, in fact, shows that the image of the paterfamilias is not really appropriate for the abbot, for the latter is never envisaged as the owner whose authority is absolute and all-embracing. His role is more humble: he is only a vices gerens , one who takes the place of, and tries to discern and execute the will of, t...

4:38 PM  Wednesday. Today's reading is  Chapter 2: The Qualities of the Abbot (4) – The Rule of Benedict , together with the equivalent sections in  RB 1980  and  Commentary for Benedictine Oblates , including "The Abba in Egyptian Cenobitism" and "The Superior in Other Cenobitic Traditions" of Appendix 2 ("The Abbot") in  RB 1980 . The video today is  The St. Benedict Medal Explained (feat. Fr. Boniface Hicks) . Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., is a Benedictine monk (Order of Saint Benedict) and a Roman Catholic priest. He is stationed at Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. End 5:30 PM.

Tuesday. Today's reading is  Chapter 2: The Qualities of the Abbot (3) – The Rule of Benedict , together with the equivalent sections in  RB 1980  and  Commentary for Benedictine Oblates , including "The Abba in the Egyptian Desert" in Appendix 2 ("The Abbot") in  RB 1980 . Today's listening:  The Ancient Secret the Desert Fathers Used to Conquer Sin .

4:32 PM Monday. Today's reading is  Chapter 2: The Qualities of the Abbot (2) – The Rule of Benedict , together with the equivalent sections in  RB 1980  and  Commentary for Benedictine Oblates , including "Spiritual Fatherhood" in Appendix 2 ("The Abbot") in  RB 1980 . Today's listening:  Obedience to a Spiritual Father is Essential for Everyone  and  Is a Spiritual Father Necessary? Hieromonk Seraphim Aldea . End 5:56 PM.