An Exegetical Reflection on the Rule of Benedict Chapter 27.1-4

Author

• Austin (Vincent) P. Cadiz OSB, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Date of Award

11-16-2005

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Theology

Department

School of Theology and Seminary

First Advisor

Mary Forman, OSB

Subject Categories

Religion

Abstract

This paper is a reflective study on the Rule of Benedict chapter 27.1-4. Benedict's chapter on the abbot's concern for the excommunicated reveals not only his deep knowledge and experience of Scripture and tradition but also his humane and gospel approach to monastic life. A contemporary reflection on this section of the Rule will enable one to see the importance of Benedict's gospel teaching in the context of community life. These assertions will be established through an exegetical study of the section of the Rule. This paper will address the following areas: a brief survey on Benedict's sources in RB 27; an analysis on how Benedict departs from Cassian and the Master by introducing the role of the senpectae; a comparison on how the scriptural text used in RB 27.1 differs from RM 14.12, its parallel; a textual analysis and reflection on RB 27, how Benedict's use of the words sapiens and sapientia reveal the qualities of the senpectae; and finally, a reflection on differences of personalities in a monastic community as they relate to the issue of growing in wisdom as a monk,,and as a community.

Recommended Citation

Cadiz, Austin (Vincent) P. OSB, "An Exegetical Reflection on the Rule of Benedict Chapter 27.1-4" (2005). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 1954.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/1954