Chapter 26
assigned tasks and persevere in penance and compunction (of heart). Let him be aware of that dread saying of the Apostle, viz.: "that such a man has been delivered over to the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved for the day of the Lord'1
(cf. 1 Cor. v, 5).
His sustenance, that is, his meals, he shall take by himself, in a measure and at an hour which the abbot shall think proper for him. Neither shall the food that is brought him be blessed nor a blessing be spoken over him by anyone in passing.
TWENTY-SIXTH CHAPTER
Those who without Leave consort with the Excommunicated Should a monk for any reason whatsoever consort with the excommunicated brother without leave from the abbot, either to speak to him or to give him an order, let the same penalty of excommunication befall him.
TWENTY-SEVENTH CHAPTER
How solicitous the Abbot must be for the Excommunicated Let the abbot conscientiously exercise the greatest (loving) solicitude for the erring brother, because "they that are in health need not a physician, but they that are ill" (Matt, ix, 12). Con sequently, he must in every way proceed like a wise physician, sending senpectae] into him, that is, prudent older monks, who, as if coming unnoticed, may console the wavering brother, move him at the same time to make humble atonement, and comfort him, lest he be swamped with excessive sadness, but, as the Apostle says, that "their charity may be confirmed in him"
(2 Cor. ii, 8); and all (the brethren) should pray for him.
1 This word is from the Greek and actually signifies a "playmate," an intimate friend, or a boon companion. St. Benedict had in mind an older monk, one who had been found trustworthy and experienced in guiding souls. He understood the word to mean an elder or a senior. Ordinarily, the abbot did not wish to be the sole confidant of the excommunicated. (One is here reminded of the Church's canons on superiors as confessors. The translator)