If a brother who through his own fault leaves the monastery should wish to return, let him first promise full reparation for his having gone away; and then let him be received in the lowest place, as a test of his humility. And if he should leave again, let him be taken back again, and so a third time; but he should understand that after this all way of return is denied him.

This rule is certainly kind, even generous.

But how does it jive with the answer Jesus gave Peter?

Then Peter came up to him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18: 21-22)

Matthew has Peter use the Greek word aphiemi which is to send away, to let go, to give up. Jesus responds by discussing - and giving an example of - eleeo or mercy, compassion, and help.

We are inclined to define and set limits. Jesus points us to the infinite.