If a brother, following his own evil ways, leaves the monastery but then wishes to return, he must first promise to make full amends for leaving. Let him be received back, but as a test of his humility he should be given the last place. If he leaves again, or even a third time, he should be readmitted under the same conditions. After this, however, he must understand that he will be denied all prospect of return. (RB80.29.1-3)

Benedict knew the commitment required to be a member of the community, team, or work crew. He was familiar with the reality that for some making the intentional decision to participate may be a serious struggle.

After setting up the discipline code and excommunication (being excluded from the group), Benedict sets up a system for making sure that the decision is the right one for the individual and for community. The person is allowed to depart and be readmitted at least three times (a reasonable number). These opportunities to come and go are set to allow the person the freedom to decide freely but also to recognize that eventually a permanent decision will need to be made. No one can live for long in a period of indecision and Benedict places parameters around this period of specifying the number of "returns" permitted.

Sr. Catherine, OSB