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  WE THINK IT SUFFICIENT FOR THE DAILY DINNER
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of moderation and
frugality in meals for monks to maintain their Christian character.

Topics: "Christian Living", "Temperance"
Scripture References: Proverbs 23:20, Luke 21:34, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Philippians 4:5, Colossians 3:17

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of moderation and
frugality in daily meals, suggesting two cooked dishes for dinner with a
third dish of fruits or vegetables if available. He advises a sufficient
amount of bread for the day, with a portion reserved for supper if
needed. The Abbot has the authority to adjust the meals based on the
workload, but over-indulgence is to be avoided at all costs, as it goes
against the Christian character. St. Benedict quotes Jesus' warning
against being burdened with over-indulgence in Luke 21:34.

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CONTENT
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We think it sufficient for the daily dinner, whether at the sixth or the
ninth hour, that every table have two cooked dishes on account of
individual infirmities, so that he who for some reason cannot eat of the
one may make his meal of the other Therefore let two cooked dishes
suffice for all the brethren; and if any fruit or fresh vegetables are
available, let a third dish be added. Let a good pound weight of bread
suffice for the day, whether there be only one meal or both dinner and
supper. If they are to have supper, the cellarer shall reserve a third
of that pound, to be given them at supper.

But if it happens that the work was heavier, it shall lie within the
Abbot's discretion and power, should it be expedient, to add something
to the fare.

Above all things, however, over-indulgence must be avoided and a monk
must never be overtaken by indigestion; for there is nothing so opposed
to the Christian character as over-indulgence according to Our Lord's
words, "See to it that your hearts be not burdened with over-indulgence"
(Luke 21:34). Young boys shall not receive the same amount of food as
their elders, but less; and frugality shall be observed in all
circumstances. Except the sick who are very weak, let all abstain
entirely from eating the flesh of four-footed animals.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/we-think-it-sufficient-for-the-daily-dinner/
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