On Sundays, Let All Occupy Themselves in Reading
On Sundays, everyone should engage in reading, except those with appointed duties, to avoid idleness and cultivate a meaningful activity.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of occupying oneself in reading and various duties on Sundays, highlighting the need to avoid idleness and negligence. He advises that those who are weak or sickly should be given tasks or crafts that keep them busy without overburdening them, showing compassion and consideration for their limitations.
Text
On Sundays, let all occupy themselves in reading,
except those who have been appointed to various duties.
But if anyone should be so negligent and shiftless
that she will not or cannot study or read,
let her be given some work to do
so that she will not be idle.
Weak or sickly sisters should be assigned a task or craft
of such a nature as to keep them from idleness
and at the same time not to overburden them or drive them away
with excessive toil.
Their weakness must be taken into consideration by the Abbess.
Sermon Outline
- Importance of Reading on Sundays
- Responsibility to Engage in Reading
- Accommodating Weak or Sickly Sisters
- Assigning tasks
- Considering weakness and limitations
Key Quotes
“On Sundays, let all occupy themselves in reading,” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Make reading a priority on Sundays to avoid idleness and cultivate a meaningful activity.
- Be considerate of others' weaknesses and limitations when assigning tasks or duties.
- Take responsibility for engaging in productive activities, even if it's not reading.