Chapter 38: The weekly reader
During meals there should be complete silence disturbed by no whispering nor should anyone's voice be heard except the reader's. Everyone in the community should be attentive to the needs of their neighbours as they eat and drink so that there should be no need for anyone to ask for what they require.
(From para. 2 of Ch. 38 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)
This instruction on total attention that takes in both the reader and the community seems almost contradictory, and yet I think it can all somehow work together through love. It reminds me of Jesus' teaching that the kingdom of God is both within and among us.
Even something so mundane and ordinary as eating is imbued with spiritual importance. As I am nourished may I so nourish others. When I eat, do I remember that this food is given me so that I have energy to be aware of Christ within and without? Do I remember that when I request God's blessing on the food that I also ask blessing for the energy to love all and exclude none in whatever work and activity I may perform during this day?
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