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  ALTHOUGH HUMAN NATURE ITSELF IS DRAWN TO SPECIAL KINDNESS
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: The Rule of the monastery should provide for the needs of the
old and children, showing special kindness and consideration.

Topics: "Compassionate Ministry", "Christian Community"
Scripture References: Proverbs 16:31, Isaiah 40:11, Matthew 25:40, Galatians 6:2, 1 Timothy 5:1

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of showing special
kindness and consideration towards the elderly and children within the
community. He highlights the need for the Rule to provide for their
weaknesses, ensuring they are not subjected to the same strictness as
others, especially concerning food. Instead, he encourages a
compassionate approach, allowing them to eat before regular hours to
meet their specific needs and vulnerabilities.

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CONTENT
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Although human nature itself is drawn to special kindness towards these
times of life, that is towards the old and children, still the authority
of the Rule should also provide for them. Let their weakness be always
taken into account, and let them by no means be held to the rigor of the
Rule with regard to food. On the contrary, let a kind consideration be
shown to them, and let them eat before the regular hours.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/although-human-nature-itself-is-drawn-to-special-kindness/
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