9 Mar. 9 July. 8 Nov.

Let him above all things have humility; and to him on whom he hath nothing else to bestow, let him give at least a kind answer, as it is written: “A good word is above the best gift.” Let him have under his care all that the Abbot may enjoin him, and presume not to meddle with what is forbidden him. Let him distribute to the brethren their appointed allowance of food, without arrogance or delay, that they be not scandalised: mindful of what the Word of God declareth him to deserve, who “shall scandalise one of these little ones” namely, “that a millstone be hanged about his neck and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.” If the community be large, let helpers be given to him, by whose aid he may with peace of mind discharge the office committed to him. Let such things as are necessary be given and asked for at befitting times, that no one may be troubled nor grieved in the house of God.

Yesterday

CHAPTER XXXI. What kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery is to be
8 Mar. 8 July. 7 Nov.

Let there be chosen out of the community, as Cellarer of the Monastery, a man wise and of mature character, temperate, not a great eater, not haughty, nor headstrong, nor arrogant, not slothful, nor wasteful, but a God-fearing man, who may be like a father to the whole community. Let him have the care of everything, but do nothing without leave of the Abbot. Let him take heed to what is commanded him, and not sadden his brethren. If a brother ask him for anything unreasonably, let him not treat him with contempt and so grieve him, but reasonably and with all humility refuse what he asks for amiss. Let him be watchful over his own soul, remembering always that saying of the Apostle, that “he that hath ministered well, purchaseth to himself a good degree.” Let him have especial care of the sick, of the children, of guests and of the poor, knowing without doubt that he will have to render an account of all these on the

CHAPTER XXX. How the younger boys are to be corrected
7 Mar. 7 July. 6 Nov.
Every age and understanding should have its proper measure of discipline. As often, therefore, as boys or others under age, or unable to understand the greatness of the penalty of excommunication, commit faults, let them be punished by severe fasting or sharp stripes, in order that they may be cured.

We come today to the last of the eight chapters of Saint Benedict’s penitentiale. When we began these chapters, I said that, In order to understand them rightly, we had to read them all in the light of the last phrase of today’s Chapter XXX: ut sanentur, in order that they may be healed. Saint Benedict would have the abbot collaborate in all things with Our Lord Jesus Christ, the divine physician.

They that are whole, need not the physician: but they that are sick. I came not to call the just, but sinners to penance. (Luke 5:31–32)

One understands why Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, “the Bernard of the North” was wont to pray:

Grant me, Lord, through your grace that is beyond