Everyone Has Her Own Gift From God
Everyone has a unique gift from God, and we should respect and care for one another's individual needs and circumstances.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the unique gifts that God has given to each individual. He advises moderation in regulating the sustenance of others, considering the needs of the weak. St. Benedict suggests a daily measure of wine for sustenance, with the understanding that those who can abstain will receive a special reward. He cautions against excess and drunkenness, urging for moderation even in the consumption of wine. St. Benedict encourages gratitude and advises against murmuring, especially in challenging circumstances.
Text
"Everyone has her own gift from God, one in this way and another in that" (1 Cor. 7:7). It is therefore with some misgiving that we regulate the measure of others' sustenance. Nevertheless, keeping in view the needs of the weak, we believe that a hemina of wine a day is sufficient for each. But those to whom God gives the strength to abstain should know that they will receive a special reward.
If the circumstances of the place, or the work or the heat of summer require a greater measure, the superior shall use her judgment in the matter, taking care always that there be no occasion for surfeit or drunkenness.
We read it is true, that wine is by no means a drink for monastics; but since the monastics of our day cannot be persuaded of this let us at least agree to drink sparingly and not to satiety, because "wine makes even the wise fall away" (Eccles. 19:2). But where the circumstances of the place are such that not even the measure prescribed above can be supplied, but much less or none at all, let those who live there bless God and not murmur. Above all things do we give this admonition, that they abstain from murmuring.
Sermon Outline
- The Gift of God
- The Measure of Wine
- Judgment and Circumstance
- The Importance of Gratitude
- Bless God in times of scarcity
- Abstain from murmuring
Key Quotes
“Everyone has her own gift from God, one in this way and another in that” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Wine makes even the wise fall away” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Be mindful of your own unique gift from God and strive to use it for the benefit of others
- Regulate others' sustenance with caution and respect their individual needs
- Abstain from murmuring and instead bless God in times of scarcity