CHAPTER 71 | Mutual Obedience
humbly nonetheless. He may quietly present the reasons for his difficulty in performing the task to the superior but is expected to do his best if the superior determines he can.
CHAPTER 69 | The Presumption of Defending Another Monk
IMPOSSIBLE TASKS
No monk may defend another in the monastery.
If a brother is assigned CHAPTER 70 | The Presumption of Striking another Monk at Will
No monk may strike or excommunicate another unless authorized a task he cannot do, by the abbot. he should accept it CHAPTER 71 | Mutual Obedience humbly nonetheless.
Obedience is a virtue to be proffered to all, not just the abbot.
Juniors, however, are expected to respect and obey seniors. er O.6
CHAPTER 72 | The Good Zeal of Monks Benedict warns of a "wicked zeal" which separates from God and a "good zeal" that separates from evil. Each is to support his brother patiently and with understanding regardless of weaknesses. No one seeks solely what is best for himself but instead addresses the needs of others. "Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ."
CHAPTER 73 | This Rule only a Beginning of Perfection In this chapter, Benedict calls his rule, "this little rule that we have written for beginners." For further edification, he recommends the Old and New Testaments, Conferences and Institutes of the Fathers (Cassian), the writings of other Church Fathers as well as the Rule of Basil. For those "hastening toward your heavenly home," this Rule and these other writings show the way. **
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