The Indicating of the Hour for the Work of God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of proper timing and reverence in the Work of God, with the Abbot taking responsibility for indicating the hour and appointing suitable brothers to perform the duties.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of punctuality and order in the work of God, assigning the duty of signaling the hours for prayer to the Abbot or a carefully chosen brother. He instructs that the Psalms and antiphons should be intoned by appointed individuals in a specific order, following the Abbot's lead. St. Benedict stresses the need for those who sing or read during these times to do so in a manner that uplifts and edifies the listeners, with humility, seriousness, and reverence, as appointed by the Abbot.
Text
The indicating of the hour for the Work of God
by day and by night
shall devolve upon the Abbot
either to give the signal himself
or to assign this duty to such a careful brother
that everything will take place at the proper hours.
Let the Psalms and the antiphons be intoned
by those who are appointed for it,
in their order after the Abbot.
And no one shall presume to sing or read
unless he can fulfill that office
in such a way as to edify the hearers.
Let this function be performed
with humility, gravity and reverence,
and by him whom the Abbot has appointed.
Sermon Outline
- The Indicating of the Hour for the Work of God
- Order of the Psalms and Antiphons
- Performance of the Function
- Humility and Gravity
- Reverence and Appointment by the Abbot
Key Quotes
“Let the Psalms and the antiphons be intoned by those who are appointed for it, in their order after the Abbot.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“And no one shall presume to sing or read unless he can fulfill that office in such a way as to edify the hearers.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Let this function be performed with humility, gravity and reverence, and by him whom the Abbot has appointed.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Be mindful of the importance of proper timing and reverence in your worship and daily activities.
- Take responsibility for your role in the community and fulfill your duties with humility and gravity.
- Listen to and follow the guidance of your spiritual leaders, such as the Abbot, in matters of worship and community life.