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?