THE RULE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE

According to present evidence, the Rule of Augustine is the oldest monastic rule in the Western Church. It was originally written for the community which he established in the grounds of the bishop's house at Hippo before becoming bishop there. Compared with other monastic rules, it is brief. But its precepts get to the very basis of community life.

At its core is the injunction found in the Acts of the Apostles (4:32) that the community must live in harmony, "being of one mind and heart on the way to God."

From this precept, the Rule goes on to specify the ways in which this ideal of mutual live is to be fostered and expressed. Above all, this unity of heart and mind entails a truly common ownership of all one's possessions. Just as the early Christians practised this commonality of goods, so the followers of Augustine must do likewise. At the same time, individuals do not receive equality of treatment in Augustine's Rule, since the needs of each person are different.

It is clear that the Rule was written for vastly diverse groups of people - rich, poor, healthy, sick, those from "high" and "low" society, educated and uneducated. But Augustine gives no group priority. Each member is to care for and mutually respect the others of the community.

They are to flee sinful temptations of all kinds, especially those of pride; they are to correct each other openly according to the injunctions of the gospel (Mt 18:15-17) as an expression of their mutual love; they are to respect and obey the legitimate authority, from love, not fear; they are to serve and forgive one another. Those who do not forgive other community members with all their hearts have no place in the monastery even if they are not expelled. Even cleanliness of body and one's clothes are expressions of mutual love in the community.

The community must pray together, since it is through prayer, as well as through its life of mutual love, that the community expresses its adoration and praise, as well as its thanks to God. The precise nature and times of this prayer Augustine leave to the custom of the local Church, although it is clear from his other writings that the community celebrates daily Eucharist with the local Church.

The Rule concludes with the exhortation that it be read once a week. As Augustine says, it should be used as a mirror in which community members may perceive in what ways they have neglected their calling to seek God together in mutual love.