Chapter 38: The weekly reader
During meals there should be complete silence disturbed by no whispering nor should anyone's voice be heard except the reader's. Everyone in the community should be attentive to the needs of their neighbours as they eat and drink so that there should be no need for anyone to ask for what they require. (From para. 2 of Ch. 38 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
This instruction on total attention that takes in both the reader and the community seems almost contradictory, and yet I think it can all somehow work together through love. It reminds me of Jesus' teaching that the kingdom of God is both within and among us.
“ . . . ask all to pray for [the incoming reader] that God may keep her from the spirit of pride.” Abba, you have given me an abundance of talents, including the gift of another day to exercise them. Help me to do so with humility, the kind you demonstrated getting down to wash your disciples feet.
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