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.)

Coming to table together to offer grace as one community touches me as such a Benedictine vision of gratitude and communion. But the same word, "grace" also describes the mysterious action of the Holy Spirit in creation. Perhaps I can experience the grace of the Holy Spirit as thanksgiving for me.