Let her make no distinction of persons in the monastery. Let her not love one more than another,unless it be one whom she finds betterin good works or in obedience.Let her not advance one of noble birth ahead of one who was formerly a slave, unless there be some other reasonable ground for it. But if the Abbess for just reason think fit to do so, let her advance one of any rank whatever. Otherwise let them keep their due places; because, whether slaves or free, we are all one in Christ (Gal. 3:28) and bear in equal burden of service in the army of the same Lord. For with God there is no respect of persons (Rom. 2:11). Only for one reason are we preferred in His sight: if we be found better than others in good works and humility. Therefore let the Abbess show equal love to all and impose the same discipline on all according to their deserts.

The Christian teaching of equality before God led to equality before the law which led to equal protection in rights which continues today - as yeast - to leaven our earthly consideration of one another.

The bread of equality is not yet fully risen, but how far it has come from the flat hard crust of Benedict's day! It is difficult for us to imagine - even more difficult to feel - the power of old hierarchies.

Before we congratulate ourselves overmuch, though, consider Benedict's criteria of merit: good works and humility. Do we cultivate these in ourselves? Do we honor these in others? The yeast still has work to do.

Above is Saint Benedict Restores a Monk to Life by Lorenzo Monaco.