Chapter 37: Care for the elderly and the young

Human nature itself is drawn to tender concern for those in the two extremes of age and youth, but the authority of the Rule should reinforce this natural instinct. (From Ch. 37 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Do I allow concern for age and youth to overcome my preoccupation with myself? Am I clear that cultural preoccupations with power and status can be strong? Listening to the mantra is countercultural, and has helped me become more alert to the call of frailty.

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 para. 1 of Ch. 36 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

What is the relationship between those who are sick and Christ, that St Benedict so clearly draws? The acceptance of my own sickness, weakness, and other infirmities can bring me closer to who I really am, powerless except for the Spirit, and to witness this for others.

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.)

Can my kindness help others in my community to serve? Can I check my own judgmental and complaining behavior, however subtle, that harms the spirit of the community I serve?

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

Everyone in the community should take turns serving in the kitchen and at table. None should be exonerated from kitchen duty except in the 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 know that common meals can be a sacrament of community. St Benedict is reminding me that the small sacrifice of helping in the kitchen during mealtimes is also an occasion of grace.

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.)

Distributing goods according to needs, showing proper consideration for needs arising from individual weakness. I hear St Benedict talking about discernment, that is, looking at situations with selfless attention, and so knowing what to do.

Chapter 33: Personal possessions in the monastery

It is vitally important to cut out by the roots from the monastery the bad practice of anyone in the community giving away anything or accepting any gift for themselves, as if it were their own personal property, without the permission of the superior. (From Ch. 33 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

St Benedict reminds me that everything I think of as "mine" is only on loan to me, and that I must learn to consider the common welfare in relation to my acquisitive habits. Fr John reminds me that even meditation is not "my" meditation. This must be how meditation creates community.

Chapter 32: The tools and property of the monastery

Anyone 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.)

St. Benedict is reminding me that even household goods are shot through with grace. I'm in danger of overlooking this, and the role of goods in the life of the community, unless I care for everything as if it is of the Kingdom.