Whether anyone who wishes to avail himself of the monastery only for a short time, is to be allowed admission Basil’s decision is as follows:
“It is right to give him admission, even though the result may be doubtful. For perhaps he will be benefited by his short stay, as not infrequently happens, and become completely enamoured of our life, when he has made full proof of our discipline, and has found it to be very different from what he had suspected.”
Basil of Caesarea (330-379) as recounted in Basil and His Rule (London: Oxford University Press, 1912) 122.
As we dig into the Rule of Basil of Caesarea we learn an interesting insight about generous living. When we urge people to try it, they may realize it is “very different” from what they expected.
Isn’t that true about many aspects of life? We often have fears or misconceptions about the unknown. But when we try it, we realize by experience it is actually really good.
If you want to encourage someone to grow in generosity, you don’t have to invite them to live in a monastery. Invite them to take steps as God leads. They too may find it it be “very different” than they suspected.