The eighth step of humility is a double challenge: do what is endorsed by the common rule of the monastery and the example of the seniors.[1][1] Yes, it is difficult to live by the rules sometimes. It is even harder to set a good example – and it is not only those who have made a lifetime commitment that need to set the example. As soon as someone enters behind you in community, you are now senior to someone. And even if you are the newest member of the community, you are “senior” to those who are visiting the community to discern a vocation, so even then you don’t have an out.
Over the years, it has been heard that it is easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. The question is: How contrite is the heart that is seeking for forgiveness when permission was not sought in the first place? If it is known that something should not be done, why is it being done?
[1][1] RB 1980, 201.
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