Chapter 51: Those on local errands or work
Any who are sent on an errand which will allow them to return to the monastery on the same day must not eat outside, in spite of pressing invitations whatever their source, unless the superior has approved this. (From Ch. 51 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
In the midst of many pressures which would take me off course, I thank God for the stability of the discipline of meditation.
St. Benedict today reminds me to “eat at home” and under pain of "excommunication." Even in retirement, my ego can too readily get me into errands or chores or activities like the internet or watching sports and lead me neglect to “eat at home”: that is, I come to neglect or take for granted my wife of 40 years. Even though we live together, modern life and electronics can promote lack of communication with those I love and who love me. The result: I “excommunicate” myself from my loved ones.
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