Chapter 41: The times for community meals

The principle is that the superior should manage everything so prudently that the saving work of grace may be accomplished in the community and whatever duties the community undertakes they may be carried out without any excuse for murmuring. (From para. 1 of Ch. 41 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

St Benedict uses ordinary examples such as amounts of food and drink, and meal schedules, to offer a basic principle of leadership: managing wisely. He offers compassionate disciplines for personal growth and community well-being, ones that fit well into my own life. I am awed by the purpose of wise management: so that in everything the saving work of grace may be accomplished.