The Meals of the Sisters Should Not Be Without Reading
The meals of the sisters should be a time for reading, silence, and respect for the appointed reader.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of incorporating reading and prayer into meals, appointing a designated reader for the week who seeks prayers for humility and divine guidance before reading. Absolute silence is to be maintained during meals, with the reader being the only one to speak. Requests for necessities are to be made through gestures rather than speech, and discussions unrelated to edification are discouraged. The designated reader is to prepare spiritually before reading, ensuring that the fast is not burdensome, and then share a meal with the kitchen and table servers of the week.
Text
The meals of the sisters should not be without reading. Nor should the reader be anyone who happens to take up the book; but there should be a reader for the whole week, entering that office on Sunday. Let this incoming reader, after Mass and Communion, ask all to pray for her that God may keep her from the spirit of pride And let her intone the following verse, which shall be said three times by all in the oratory: "O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise." Then, having received a blessing, let her enter on the reading. And let absolute silence be kept at table, so that no whispering may be heard nor any voice except the reader's.
As to the things they need while they eat and drink, let the sisters pass them to one another so that no one need ask for anything.
If anything is needed, however, let it be asked for by means of some audible sign rather than by speech. Nor shall anyone at table presume to ask questions about the reading or anything else, lest that give occasion for talking; except that the Superior may perhaps wish to say something briefly for the purpose of edification. The sister who is reader for the week shall take a little ablution before she begins to read, on account of the Holy Communion and lest perhaps the fast be hard for her to bear. She shall take her meal afterwards with the kitchen and table servers of the week.
The sisters are not to read or chant in order, but only those who edify their hearers.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Reading During Meals
- Maintaining Silence During Meals
- Respect for the Reader
- The reader should be appointed for the whole week
- The reader should ask for prayers before reading
- No whispering or talking allowed
- No questions asked during meals
- The reader should be treated with respect
- The reader should not be interrupted
Key Quotes
“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Let absolute silence be kept at table, so that no whispering may be heard nor any voice except the reader's.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Make time for reading and silence during meals to focus on spiritual growth.
- Respect the appointed reader and allow them to lead the reading without interruption.
- Use audible signs to communicate needs during meals instead of speaking.