Benedict, is one of continual growth, self-sacrifice and commitment. In order to be inducted into this way of life one must commit himself fully to three vows; stability, obedience and conversation morem. Of these three vows, St. Benedict believed monastic obedience was the most fundamental. When one pledges to monastic obedience, they are swearing their loyalty to the abbot of the monastery. The overall goal of obedience in monasticism is to become closer to God.
The abbot is known as the "director of souls"," this individual helps monks seek god by following what he says wholeheartedly and fulfilling tasks regimented by him. "It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life; therefore, they are eager to take the narrow road of which the Lord says: Narrow is the road that leads to life" (Matt 7:14). They no longer live by their own judgment, giving in to their whims and appetites; rather they walk according to another's decisions and directions, choosing to live in monasteries and to have an abbot over them. Men of this resolve unquestionably conform to the saying of the Lord: "I have come not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me" (John 6:38)" (RB 10-13).
The Rule of St. Benedict acknowledges that obedience is hard to achieve in a society that values personal freedom above anything else. But Benedict realizes that unless we submit to something greater than ourselves we will never be able to become greater than ourselves. Aside from theological foundations of obedience, practical foundations are also highly valued in Benedictine life. For a monk's obedience is not only to God but to all people, according to our baptismal vow to seek and serve Christ in all people. In Benedictine life, the key elements to obedience are silence, prayer and humility.
"Listen carefully, my son, to the master's instructions, attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice"" (RB 1-3).
