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Santos IV alm BENE Reflection Paper: Chapter 21 This chapter discusses the role of a dean and a leader. St. Benedict acknowledges the role of a dean in guiding the institution to wisdom and knowledge hand in hand with the teachings of God. As an educational institution, San Beda was established in the principles of ora et labora. As we can see, this virtue remains prevalent in us today since the institution firmly holds not only on academics but also the religious upbringing of its students. Chapter 21 of The Holy Rule of St. Benedict discusses how the dean should be and how he should be a man of virtue and wisdom to uphold the principles of the institution among its students. However I believe that this chapter does not only directly imply on the dean, but it may also be generally accepted to leaders. Since in our society today we lack moral figures and I believe that the discussion on the qualities of a dean would really suit the proper connotation of a leader since a good leader should not only possess the fortitude of excellence but also the moral integrity as suggested by St. Benedict. Chapter 23 In my own perspective I find that in this chapter the importance of punishment is stressed out. The common connotation of punishment is negative since it always is an effect of a wrong doing, however if we consider punishment as a learning experience we can negate this connotation. Punishment and fear comes hand in hand since people tend to fear punishment and human nature dictates that in order to avoid punishment we must always do good. St Benedict believes in punishment since he acknowledges our mortality and that we would always be vulnerable to error. So in this chapter he does not condemn punishment but pushes for its leniency. Chapter 24 This chapter comes hand in hand with the previous chapter on punishment. In essence, chapter 24 prescribes the equity on punishment. Punishment is not established to put fear but to teach; therefore a person should only be punished on the gravity of what he has done. Punishment should be based on equity other than inflicting fear since we all should be treated with due respect regardless of our statue or standing in life. We should always look for the humane way in settling things since it is when respect is disregarded that conflict arises. In punishment, justice should be established and not vengeance; thus it is important that we base it on equity.

Chapter 25 My own interpretation of this chapter is that the supreme punishment may only be imposed by God. As mentioned in this chapter, a person punished for a greater fault should be left alone. As mere stewards of God, He only may judge us and in turn raise the supreme judgment. As for the person to be punished held for punishment, he should be given ample time to repent and reconcile on the errors of his ways. The fact that St. Benedict suggests that a person to be punished for a greater degree of wrong should be excluded among others acknowledges that we should also consider the effects of this kind of people in society. We should protect the people from the demoralization of morals as an effect of their presence in society. This is not a form of exclusion, but I believe that St. Benedict intended to leave the judgment of such kind of people to God. Chapter 26 This chapter may be taken in consideration as a scenario wherein bad faith comes in to play. This chapter may sound harsh but for me it intends the protection of our morals. It is understandable that in society, any person who poses as a threat may be segregated from society as this chapter implies. It further holds that any association without the consent of the Abbot would be equally punishable. In my own perspective it contradicts the essence of the previous chapter since it was previously discussed that a person should be punished based on equity; on the gravity of his wrong doing. Chapter 27 In cognizance with the previous chapters, this chapter discusses how the Abbot should be a steward of God. As discussed, an Abbot must be considerate beholding the utmost zeal and prudence, qualities that may also be applicable to a leader. An abbot should act as an extension of the Church, he must uphold authority but should also act with compassion as God would. In connection to punishment, the exercise of such authority should not embed fear as intended by St. Benedict. In the application of punishment, the Abbot is given the discretion of leniency and a certain degree of care since forgiveness is a core value being taught to us by Jesus Christ. Chapter 28 The Holy Rule of St. Benedict stresses the importance of punishment as a form of correction. In essence, punishment is set to not ingest fear among the people but to

institute what is right. Chapter 28 opens the idea of punishment as a correctional method, however subjected to a certain degree. The abbot is given authority to set these boundaries, like how the government plays in our society. As much as possible there are certain methods granted in society to correct those who have done wrongfully but there are certain cases where in society resorts to certain measures to ensure the general welfare. In this the Abbot is also given such prerogative; however he is limited to the values embedded in him by the Holy Order. Chapter 29 The Church is an open community that in Gods Salvation everyone is accepted since Gods love is universal. This is the basis of this Holy Rule of St Benedict that any person would be accepted in the congregation, regardless of history or status. However that person has the burden of proving himself, just as in society. Every person is bounded by his individuality and that it is his burden to be accepted. The Holy Order of St. Benedict being an open congregation freely accepts all matters of life since it is based in the divine providence of our Heavenly Father. It is but fitting that we all must learn to accept others to establish a better society. Chapter 46 This chapter discusses the acceptance of our mistakes and the importance of penance. As humans, we are bounded to make mistakes and we should learn to acknowledge them. It is a greater fault if we do not acknowledge them since this only brings the greater evil in things. God being a forgiving Father acknowledges our mistakes and gives us a chance to repent for He so loved man that he was willing to sent His only Son to die to save us. By this virtue the Order of St Benedict stresses the importance of repentance since God is so forgiving that it is but of our own initiative to reciprocate this forgiveness among others.