Friday, November 11, 2016

Chapter 34: Fair provision for the needs of all


This principle from scripture should be established in the monastery, namely that distribution was made to each in accordance with their needs. This, however, should not be taken to mean that favouritism of individuals can be tolerated; far from it. It should simply be a way of showing proper consideration for needs arising from individual weakness. (From Ch. 34 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Fair provision is about putting the weakest members of the community at the center; thus it's not about justice for an individual (including me), but mercy for the Body of Christ. May I serve all who come with mercy.

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