From the Calends of October
St. Benedict outlines a reading and work schedule for the sisters, emphasizing discipline and accountability during Lent.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of discipline, structure, and focus on spiritual growth through reading and work assignments during specific hours of the day, with a special emphasis on Lent when each sister is given a book to read from start to finish. He also highlights the role of senior sisters in ensuring that all sisters are diligent in their tasks and not engaging in idleness or distractions, with corrective measures in place for those who do not adhere to the rules.
Text
From the Calends of October until the beginning of Lent,
let them apply themselves to reading
up to the end of the second hour.
At the second hour let Terce be said,
and then let all labor at the work assigned them until None.
At the first signal for the Hour of None
let everyone break off from her work,
and hold herself ready for the sounding of the second signal.
After the meal
let them apply themselves to their reading or to the Psalms.
On the days of Lent,
from morning until the end of the third hour
let them apply themselves to their reading,
and from then until the end of the tenth hour
let them do the work assigned them.
And in these days of Lent
they shall each receive a book from the library,
which they shall read straight through from the beginning.
These books are to be given out at the beginning of Lent.
But certainly one or two of the seniors should be deputed
to go about the monastery
at the hours when the sisters are occupied in reading
and see that there be no lazy sister
who spends her time in idleness or gossip
and does not apply herself to the reading,
so that she is not only unprofitable to herself
but also distracts others.
If such a one be found (which God forbid),
let her be corrected once and a second time;
if she does not amend,
let her undergo the punishment of the Rule
in such a way that the rest may take warning.
Moreover, one sister shall not associate with another
at inappropriate times.
Sermon Outline
- Reading and Work Schedule
- 'From Calends of October to Lent: reading up to second hour'
- Work from second hour to None
- Reading or Psalms after meal
Key Quotes
“Let them apply themselves to reading up to the end of the second hour.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“If such a one be found (which God forbid), let her be corrected once and a second time;” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Establish a regular reading and work schedule to maintain discipline and focus.
- Hold sisters accountable for their actions and encourage spiritual growth.
- Prioritize community and avoid idle gossip and distractions.