Chapter 22: Sleeping arrangements for the community
In the morning, as they are getting up for the work of God, they should quietly give encouragement to those who are sleepy and given to making excuses for being late. (From para. 2 of Ch. 22 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)
A note of tenderness sounds here, making life sweet. Small kindnesses are the best way to prepare for meditation, John Main said.
There is this beautiful line in Benedict’s Chapter 22, (RB 22.8). “On arising for the Work of God, they will quietly encourage each other, for the sleepy like to make excuses.” The encouragement is not one-sided and therefore I need to see where and how I am being encouraged and how I can quietly encourage. Sleepiness may be another word for being overcome by spiritual work as the three apostles were overcome during the Transfiguration of Christ, and at the Garden of Gethsamine. Christ quietly encouraged without judgment, without criticism. There is the key for me, not only in my support of others but also in the receiving of support from others.
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