St. Benedict established his monastery as a “school for the service of the Lord”. Those who are called by Jesus to enter it are not yet perfect, but merely beginners (73, 1). In the monastery everyone is a disciple, and Christ the only true master.
St. Benedict insists: “To speak and to teach are the role of the master; whereas that of the disciple is to be silent and to listen”. (6, 6)
In the very first line of the Rule, Benedict invites all of us to listen to the Lord :
“Hearken, o my son, to the precepts of the master, and incline the ear of your heart; willingly receive and faithfully accomplish the admonition of your loving father.” (Pr. 1)
If we are to listen, silence and a certain measure of solitude are necessary conditions. And in order to accomplish the Lord’s teachings, we must practice docility and ongoing conversion.