Chapter 43: Late-comers for the work of God or in the refectory (paragraphs 4-5)

In the refectory all must come to table together so as to offer their grace together as one community. (From para. 4 of Ch. 43 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

I am suddenly seeing that "saying grace" describes both giving and receiving. I say grace to receive grace; I receive grace and express gratitude. The same word used to describe a prayer of thanks also describes unmerited fullness of life. To me grace suddenly takes on the aspect of relationship between the one who says thank you and the One who gives all. No wonder, then, that Benedict calls the whole community together for this dynamic event.