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  FOR BEDDING LET THIS SUFFICE
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: St. Benedict's sermon advocates for simplicity in living and
the importance of communal care under the guidance of the Abbot.

Topics: "Communal Living", "Stewardship"
Scripture References: Proverbs 22:9, Matthew 25:35, Acts 4:35, Philippians 2:4, 1 John 3:17

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DESCRIPTION
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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.

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CONTENT
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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.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/for-bedding-let-this-suffice/
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