Anyone Who Does Not Come to Table Before the Verse
St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of timely participation in communal meals and prayer, warning of consequences for those who fail to amend their behavior.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of discipline and order during communal meals, instructing that those who do not come to the table on time for the verse and oration should be corrected and, if necessary, separated from the group until they amend their behavior. He also addresses the consequences for those who are not present for the post-meal verse. Additionally, St. Benedict highlights the significance of accepting offerings from the Superior and the consequences of refusing them, stressing the need for proper satisfaction and amendment.
Text
Anyone who does not come to table before the verse, so that all together may say the verse and the oration and all sit down to table at the same time-- anyone who through his own carelessness or bad habit does not come on time shall be corrected for this up to the second time. If then he does not amend, he shall not be allowed to share in the common table, but shall be separated from the company of all and made to eat alone, and his portion of wine shall be taken away from him, until he has made satisfaction and has amended.
And let him suffer a like penalty who is not present at the verse said after the meal.
But if anyone is offered something by the Superior and refuses to take it, then when the time comes that he desires what he formerly refused or something else, let him receive nothing whatever until he has made proper satisfaction.
Sermon Outline
- Importance of Timely Participation
- Consequences of Carelessness
- Separation from the Community
- Making Satisfaction
- Restoring privileges after amendment
- Receiving what was previously refused
Key Quotes
“Anyone who does not come to table before the verse, so that all together may say the verse and the oration and all sit down to table at the same time--” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“If then he does not amend, he shall not be allowed to share in the common table, but shall be separated from the company of all and made to eat alone,” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Make an effort to arrive on time for communal meals and prayer to maintain unity with the community.
- Be mindful of your behavior and amend it quickly to avoid penalties and separation.
- Be willing to make satisfaction and restore relationships when you've wronged others.