The Rule of Life

18 2. The essence of your poverty is found in this: that no one keeps anything privately without the consent of the Superiors, nor would he dare to call anything his own. How- ever, those things given for his use let him preserve them neat- ly, carefully and for as long as possible. Let all income be turned over for common use whether it comes from alms or other sources. Let them observe absolutely and strictly the manner of collecting, saving and dispensing this income, the manner contained in the papal decrees 10 under the penalties specified there. Without the permission of the Superior, let none keep with himself either money or food or drink, under the penalty of losing active and passive voice. Such permission could be granted only for some good reason and for a short time, for all ought to live from common resources and the com- mon table. However, foreseeing all the harm [that could come from its use], this permission is to be granted chiefly and only to the aged and the sick. No member should receive anything from anybody without the permission of the Superiors whether it be from a house member or an outsider; nor should he give anything to anyone. Before profession he should dispose of his inheritance and his goods in the world, if he had any. If he was hindered by something, then he should settle his affairs as quickly as possible after profession, since our Lord openly stat- ed: “None of you can be My disciple if he does not renounce all his possessions” (Lk l4:33b). The Superiors will provide the members, as much as they will be able in the Lord, sufficient- ly in all things according to our norms, no superfluously how- ever. Otherwise, on account of more rigorous want the mem- bers would be found slothful in their service of God. It is fit- ting for each one to be mindful that he is rather the imitator of the heavenly King in need, who, it is said, had neither His own home (cf. Mt 8:20; Lk 9:58), nor when He was thirsty, was ashamed to have asked for water (cf. Jn 4:7). So you, once you find yourself in a situation of utmost poverty 11 , rejoice exceed- ingly, because then you can be the true disciples and followers of Christ the Lord. 10 Clement VIII Nullus omnino , 1599.