August 9

Chapter 56

The Rule of Benedict August 9

A chapter like this makes me wish I could report from my time at St. Gregory's about how an active Benedictine monastery puts it into practice.  But I am unable to do so because, during my two weeks there, I never witnessed the Abbot at table during lunch or supper.  I arrived during the week he was serving as the kitchen server, which means he didn't eat during the meal times, but silently cleared our plates and cups and utensils as we finished.  The second week I was there it was his turn to be the reader for the week, so he sat in the lectern and read to us while we ate lunch and supper.  Both duties entail eating alone after everyone has left the refectory.