For Bedding Let This Suffice
St. Benedict's sermon advocates for simplicity in living and the importance of communal care under the guidance of the Abbot.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of communal living and the eradication of private ownership among the monks. He instructs the Abbot to regularly inspect the monks' belongings to ensure they only possess items provided by the monastery. The Abbot is encouraged to supply all necessary items to remove any excuse for personal possessions, while always considering the needs of the less fortunate. St. Benedict reminds the Abbot to base decisions on God's retribution and the principle of distributing resources according to individual needs.
Text
For bedding let this suffice:
a mattress, a blanket, a coverlet and a pillow.
The beds, moreover, are to be examined frequently by the Abbot,
to see if any private property be found in them.
If anyone should be found to have something
that he did not receive from the Abbot,
let him undergo the most severe discipline.
And in order that this vice of private ownership
may be cut out by the roots,
the Abbot should provide all the necessary articles:
cowl, tunic, stockings, shoes, belt,
knife, stylus, needle, handkerchief, writing tablets;
that all pretext of need may be taken away.
Yet the Abbot should always keep in mind
the sentence from the Acts of the Apostles
that "distribution was made to each according as anyone had need" (Acts 4:35).
In this manner, therefore,
let the Abbot consider weaknesses of the needy
and not the ill-will of the envious.
But in all his decisions
let him think about the retribution of God.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Simplicity in Bedding - Essential Items for Rest - Avoidance of Excess
- II points: - Role of the Abbot - Examination of Beds - Discipline for Private Ownership
- III points: - Provision of Necessities - Elimination of Pretexts - Consideration of Needs
- IV points: - Mindfulness of God's Retribution - Balancing Needs and Envy - Community Care
Key Quotes
“For bedding let this suffice: a mattress, a blanket, a coverlet and a pillow.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“If anyone should be found to have something that he did not receive from the Abbot, let him undergo the most severe discipline.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Distribution was made to each according as anyone had need.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Embrace simplicity in your own life by minimizing personal possessions.
- Support community living by sharing resources and being mindful of others' needs.
- Reflect on the impact of envy and strive to foster a spirit of generosity.