Chapter 36: The care of the sick in the monastery

The care of those who are sick in the community is an absolute priority, which must rank before every other requirement, so that there may be no doubt that it is Christ who is truly served in them. (From Ch. 36 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Being sick, or being with those who are sick, can sometimes radically simplify my vision, and make me more sensitive to Christ's healing power of relationship.

Chapter 35: Weekly servers in the kitchen and at table (paragraphs 3-4)

One hour before the time of a meal those serving in the kitchen and at table should each receive a drink and some bread in addition to their regular portion. This will help them to serve the community at mealtime without stress and without murmuring about their lot. (From para. 3 of Ch. 35 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

How do I "make a martyr" of myself? What shift of circumstances or attitude, even very small ones, can I make with the help of grace, to bring blessing upon those I serve?

Chapter 35: Weekly servers in the kitchen and at table (paragraphs 1-2)

None should be exonerated from kitchen duty except in case of sickness or the call of some important business for the monastery, because serving each other in this way has the great merit of fostering charity. (From para. 1 of Ch. 35 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997). 

I think it's not just the act of kitchen help, but the illuminating desire to be of selfless service that makes small jobs opportunities for great love.

Chapter 34: Fair provision for the needs of all

This principle from Scripture should be established in the monastery, namely that distribution was made to each in accordance with their needs. This, however, should not be taken to mean that favouritism of individuals can be tolerated; far from it. It should simply be a way of showing proper consideration for needs arising from individual weakness. (From Ch. 34 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

There it is again -- weakness. When I gather my energies around recognizing and respecting the weaknesses of others, I can honestly acknowledge my own weaknesses as well. Into this relationship Christ comes, provisions are handled fairly, and the relationship becomes transformative.

Chapter 33: Personal possessions in the monastery

Those in monastic vows should not claim any property as their own exclusive possession -- absolutely nothing at all, not even books and writing materials. After all they cannot count even their bodies and wills as their own consecrated as they are, to the Lord. (From Ch. 33 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I live in an embarrassment of riches and of accumulated stuff. But my meditation practice consecrates me to the Lord. Selfless attention can grant me the grace of detachment, of generosity, of liberty of spirit and the holy use of things.

Chapter 32: The tools and property of the monastery

Any one who is negligent in dealing with the monastery property or allows it to deteriorate must be corrected with a view to improvement. (From para. 2 of Ch. 32 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I sometimes think that much of life is about maintenance. Benedict reminds me that the kingdom of God is within and among us, interpenetrating every single aspect of community, of creation. 

Chapter 31: The qualities required by the cellarer (paragraphs 2-3)

Among the most important qualities the cellarer needs to cultivate is humility and the ability to give a pleasant answer even when a request must be refused. (From para. 2 of Ch. 31 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Benedict pegs a pleasant manner to humility. To me, this is a kindness born of true self-knowledge, not of a selfish desire (or fear) to please. I pray that my manners may be ever more sincerely rooted in my heart.