Chapter 33: Personal possessions in the monastery

It is vitally important to cut out by the roots from the monastery the bad practice of anyone in the community giving away anything or accepting any gift for themselves, as if it were their own personal property, without the permission of the superior. (From Ch. 33 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I find giving and receiving gifts delightful. But these words of St. Benedict's urge me to consider how even the most pleasant gifts (given or received) can come with hidden strings of ego attached. For my part, I will try to give without expectations, favoritism, attempts to control another or make someone indebted to me. And I will gratefully receive what is freely offered.