Chapter 40
The Rule of St. Benedict March 19 (Ch. 40)
"Above all else I urge that there should be no murmuring in the community." These are our Father Benedict's concluding words to this chapter, and they show what is his highest priority regarding the amounts of food and drink consumed by the community. More than anything else, it's important that those who follow the Benedictine way are content with what is provided for them. This principle of contentedness goes well beyond food and drink to the heart of what we are about: the relinquishing of our prejudgments and desires in favor of the Spirit's guidance in our lives. St. Joseph's life stands before the Presence as a testament to the beauty that comes from a life lived in such a way. May we follow in his footsteps on this day, opening ourselves to hear from Spirit and freely follow where she might lead.
And from here on out, at the meals shared by the Community of St. Mary of the Annunciation, we shall measure our drinks by the hemina!
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