Chapter 57: Members of the community with creative gifts

If there are any in the community with creative gifts, they should use them in their workshops with proper humility, provided that they have the permission of the superior. (From para. 1 of Ch. 57 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

My understanding of "creative gifts" is expanding. On one hand, it includes a growing quality of selfless attention when I practice my own art, and when I help others to create art. On the other hand, creativity begins to characterize the experience of my interaction with all creatures, with all of creation. The potential for creativity meeting reality waits to be discovered in every moment of the day.