Chapter 55: Clothing and footwear for the community (paragraphs 3-4)
There is one saying, however, from the Acts of the Apostles which the superior must always bear in mind, namely that proper provision was made according to the needs of each.
(From para. 4 of Ch. 55 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)
Beginning the season of Christmas gift accumulations can seem just like hoarding. What if I more carefully discerned what each person really needs -- a word, a look, a gesture, a prayer?
Beginning the season of Christmas gift accumulations can seem just like hoarding. What if I more carefully discerned what each person really needs -- a word, a look, a gesture, a prayer?
On this day of December 8,reflecting on John Main's reading of Mary's poverty of spirit in the light of the Rule, I am struck by Benedict's words "the weakness of the needy". There was none of this weakness of egoism "seeking for experience", or "desiring holiness" or "creating God in its (one's, my) own image". Mary was a whole person,wholly turned to God. That is the "turning " that takes place in meditation - a turning towards the God Who loves and away from the self that needs.
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