Rule of St Benedict Reading for July 9, 2009

March 9, July 9, November 8

Chapter 31: What Kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery Should Be

Above all things let him have humility;
and if he has nothing else to give
let him give a good word in answer
for it is written,
"A good word is above the best gift" (Eccles. 18:17).


Let him have under his care
all that the Abbot has assigned to him,
but not presume to deal with what he has forbidden him.


Let him give the brethren their appointed allowance of food
without any arrogance or delay,
that they may not be scandalized,
mindful of the Word of God as to what he deserves
"who shall scandalize one of the little ones" (Matt 18:6).


If the community is a large one,
let helpers be given him,
that by their assistance
he may fulfill with a quiet mind the office committed to him.
The proper times should be observed
in giving the things that have to be given
and asking for the things that have to be asked for,
that no one may be troubled or vexed in the house of God.

Some thoughts:

Here's that emphasis upon humility again. I deeply appreciate the humanity of this passage. The caring, the concern to make sure that others have what they need when they need it. And not only bare subsistence but enough to thrive.

Seems to me that is another aspect of Holy Hospitality, giving people not only what they need when they need it but giving them more so that they can actually thrive, grow into that abundance so that they are in their turn able to give unstintingly in spendthrift manner to those that need.