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.)

Here, grace means thanksgiving, and Benedict instructs me to offer my grace together as one with others. In this way,  I also understand grace to mean the way the way the Spirit is present and active in loving community.

Chapter 43: Late-comers for the work of God or in the refectory (paragraphs 1-3)

When the time comes for one of the Divine offices to begin, as soon as the signal is heard, everyone must set aside whatever they may have in hand and hurry as fast as possible to the oratory, but of course they should do so in a dignified way which avoids giving rise to any boisterous behaviour. The essential point is that nothing should be accounted more important that the work of God.

(From para. 1 of Ch. 43 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I love how, in a long and practical sentence, St. Benedict describes exactly how to deal with what my ego might consider to be interruption. Then, in a short sentence, he makes his point. Meditation teaches me how to deal with distraction, so that I learn to pay attention to what is essential.

Chapter 42: The great silence after Compline

Silence should be sought at all times by monks and nuns and this is especially important for them at night time. (From para. 1 of Ch. 42 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Silence may allow me to experience either the presence of God or the absence of God. Either way, I proceed in faith, into the darkest time of my day.

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.)

I'm at my desk right now, reading the Rule, writing this blog, and planning my day on a little yellow sticky note, distracted by feeling behind and by things that need to get done. Is my guiding principle truly that the saving work of grace may be accomplished among my family, friends, community? Or is distraction murmuring at me? Practicing attention will bring me into God's sphere better than fretting will.

Chapter 40: The proper amount of drink to be provided

It may be that local circumstances may make it impossible to provide the amount of wine we have suggested above so that there may be much less available or even none at all. Those who live in such a locality should praise God and avoid any murmuring. Above all else I urge that there should be no murmuring in the community. (From para. 3 of Ch. 40 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Simple: Replace habits of overconsumption and complaining with praise of God.  Not easy: But the work of the mantra teaches me that I have a choice about where I place my attention.

Chapter 39: The amount of food to be made available

We must always be careful, however, to avoid excessive eating which might also cause indigestion. Nothing so so opposed to Christian values as overeating, as we can see from the words of our Lord: take care that your hearts are not weighed down by overeating. (From para. 2 of Ch. 39 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

"Nothing is so opposed to Christian values as overeating"  -- this might be hyperbole on Benedict's part, but I've come to think not.  My body must be as relaxed and alert for prayer as my mind and my heart.

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.)

The practice of selfless silence sets the stage for the an ever-expanding awareness of what is, taking in both the words of the reader and the needs of others.