1. If anyone has something against his brother, let him
tell him about it privately, following the divine precept[1]
(97). The Lord, who knows how to derive good from evil, in fact uses for our
sanctification our tendency to see the mote in our neighbour’s eye. If, after a
first warning, the brother does not correct himself, he must be approached a
second time, with one or two other brothers; if he still will not correct
himself, the commander must be told and he will take whatever action he thinks
fit and may ask for the prayers of the community. Prayer and humility cause
Satan to lose all his power. If a knight offends one of his brethren by word or
deed, he should make good his fault and be reconciled with him before sundown[2]
(98).
2. Although the precepts of the Rule are not binding under
pain of sin, they are not therefore to be regarded as without obligation or
sanction. That is why the brothers will loyally admit in Chapter their
shortcomings with regard to the Rule, the Code of Honour and to whatever tasks
are entrusted to them. The chaplain, or in his absence the commander, will
impose some slight act of reparation in the form of prayers or mortification.
For more serious shortcomings,
such as repeated absence from chapter meetings, the violation of an important
secret, a formal disobedience to an order received, et cetera, the commander,
assisted by the chapter of honour, may impose the temporary removal of the
mantle and the temporary omission from the opus
dei chart.
As for very serious faults
against chivalric honour, they shall be dealt with by a chapter of justice as
provided for in the customary.
3. All the brethren of the Order have a duty to practise
fraternal correction among themselves, without distinction of rank; in the case
of a commander it should be done respectfully and without insistence. However,
if it was considered that he was deliberately violating one of the points of
the Rule, mention of this should be made to his superior, to whom all must
submit. Out of respect for his priestly character, nobody will consider
correcting the Chaplain; the commander, however, may explain to him with
sincerity and humility any points of reproach he may have. He may, if
necessary, have recourse to the senior Chaplain, the Prior or the Master. The
Chaplain for his part should be careful not to exceed his rights, but to give
to all an example of a saintly life worthy of his priesthood. Thus shall all the members remain in peace.[3] (99)
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