Above all let her not neglect or undervalue the welfare of the souls committed to her, in a greater concern for fleeting, earthly, perishable things; but let her always bear in mind that she has undertaken the government of souls and that she will have to give an account of them. And if she be tempted to allege a lack of earthly means, let her remember what is written: "First seek the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be given you besides" (Ps. 33[34]:10). And again: "Nothing is wanting to those who fear Him."Let her know, then, that she who has undertaken the government of souls must prepare herself to render an account of them. Whatever number of sisters she knows she has under her care, she may be sure beyond doubt that on Judgment Day she will have to give the Lord an account of all these souls, as well as of her own soul. Thus the constant apprehension about her coming examination as shepherd (Ezech. 34) concerning the sheep entrusted to her, and her anxiety over the account that must be given for others, make her careful of her own record. And while by her admonitions she is helping others to amend, she herself is cleansed of her faults.

I am self-reflective. This is both a gift and a curse. Regardless, it is a part of me that would be foolish to reject and - to avoid the worst self-indulgence - needs discipline and cultivation.

But it is in living and working with others that the self is fulfilled. Perhaps this is why Benedict was carefully critical of the lonely Anchorites.

There is need for quiet separation. There is value in wilderness and mountain-top epiphanies. But the value is redeemed in our communion with others.

Benedict seeks to motivate through the prospect of future judgement. I am uncertain of the theological or practical implications of such a threat.

The fulfillment I experience when helping others - and am in the process cleansed of my faults - seems sufficient motivation.

Above is Saint Benedict Tried by the Devil by Lorenzo Monaco.