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  FROM HOLY EASTER UNTIL PENTECOST
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: St. Benedict outlines a schedule for the brothers to follow,
adapting to different seasons and circumstances to save souls and
prevent murmuring.

Topics: "Spiritual Discipline", "Monastic Life"
Scripture References: Psalm 90:12, Proverbs 16:3, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 5:15, Colossians 3:23

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of discipline and
structure in the daily lives of monks, outlining specific meal times and
fasting schedules from Easter until Pentecost, throughout the summer,
and from the Ides of September until the beginning of Lent. He
highlights the Abbot's role in making decisions for the well-being of
the community, ensuring that all activities are carried out with the
goal of salvation and minimal complaints. The schedule is designed to
allow the monks to focus on their spiritual growth and work diligently
without distractions.

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CONTENT
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From holy Easter until Pentecost let the brothers take dinner at the
sixth hour and supper in the evening. From Pentecost throughout the
summer, unless the monks have work in the fields let them fast on
Wednesdays and Fridays until the ninth hour; on the other days let them
dine at the sixth hour. This dinner at the sixth hour shall be the daily
schedule if they have work in the fields or the heat of summer is
extreme; the Abbot's foresight shall decide on this. Thus it is that he
should adapt and arrange everything in such a way that souls may be
saved and that the brethren may do their work without just cause for
murmuring. From the Ides of September until the beginning of Lent let
them always take their dinner at the ninth hour.

In Lent until Easter let them dine in the evening.

But this evening hour shall be so determined that they will not need the
light of a lamp while eating, Indeed at all seasons let the hour,
whether for supper or for dinner, be so arranged that everything will be
done by daylight.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/from-holy-easter-until-pentecost/
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