The Professed Monk

  After at least four years as a novice and junior, the monk reaches the day when he may petition for solemn vows, that is a commitment to God    for life.  Saint Benedict gives the essential meaning of the monks' life-long commitment to follow Christ and the teaching of the gospel at the conclusion of his Rule:

   "From the day he is to be counted as one of the community," writes Saint Benedict.  "Just as there is a wicked zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from evil and leads to God and everlasting life.  This, then, is the good zeal which monks must foster with fervent love: They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other (Rom 12:10), supporting with the greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another.  No one is to pursue what he judges better for someone else.  To their fellow monks they show the pure love of brothers; to God, loving fear; to their abbot, unfeigned and humble love.  Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life" (72: 1-12).