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.)

Today, this passage from the Rule enlightens me about what I've "received" in life -- perhaps exactly what I have needed: Relationships and talents, opportunities and missed opportunities, the whole chain of events that brings me to where I am today -- personal weaknesses included. Tempted sometimes to imaginatively "rearrange" my earlier life, I come more quickly now to realize that whatever I've received is exactly what I've needed to grow towards life in Christ. Meditation is a better path than melancholy to experience the divine energy that beats in my heart.