Let clothing be given to the brethren
according to the nature of the place in which they dwell
and its climate;
for in cold regions more will be needed,
and in warm regions less.
This is to be taken into consideration, therefore, by the Abbot.
We believe, however, that in ordinary places
the following dress is sufficient for each monk:
a tunic,
a cowl (thick and woolly for winter, thin or worn for summer),
a scapular for work,
stockings and shoes to cover the feet.
The monks should not complain
about the color or the coarseness of any of these things,
but be content with what can be found
in the district where they live and
can be purchased cheaply.
The Abbot shall see to the size of the garments,
that they be not too short for those who wear them,
but of the proper fit.
Let those who receive new clothes
always give back the old ones at once,
to be put away in the wardrobe for the poor.
For it is sufficient if a monk has two tunics and two cowls,
to allow for night wear and for the washing of these garments;
more than that is superfluity and should be taken away.
Let them return their stockings also and anything else that is old
when they receive new ones.
Those who are sent on a journey
shall receive drawers from the wardrobe,
which they shall wash and restore on their return.
And let their cowls and tunics be somewhat better
than what they usually wear.
These they shall receive from the wardrobe
when they set out on a journey,
and restore when they return.
This is a very practical chapter of the rule. As usual I shall skip over most of the 6th century, and strictly monastic things, and dive right into the direct application, as I see it, for Lay Cistercians.
The monks should not complainAnd
about the color or the coarseness of any of these things,
but be content with what can be found
in the district where they live and
can be purchased cheaply.
For it is sufficient if a monk has two tunics and two cowls,If we made a one to one between that passage and our wardrobes (which I admit is impractical) then we should find ourselves grossly over stocked. Most modern people are blessed with superfluity, and some even make a part time job of shopping until they have superfluity. This applies to more than clothing. I like to joke with my local group that what I really need to be happy is a 40" flat screen plasma television, in HD, of course. While it is true I would enjoy such a television, even if I had the money to buy one, I would not buy one.
to allow for night wear and for the washing of these garments;
more than that is superfluity and should be taken away.
Let them return their stockings also and anything else that is old
when they receive new ones.
What Benedict is doing today is challenging us to ask ourselves how much is enough? If only the church leaders would take into account the RB and stop having their clothes handmade for them. I was asked to write about Abbot Elias installation. I could not put into a memorial book what I had to say, because what I wanted to say was how the Archbishop (as the Official Church) shined in thousands of dollars of regalia, while Fr. Elias shined in cloth of about one hundred and fifty dollars. The Archbishop's crozier was at least a thousand dollars of silver, while the abbatial staff was simple, made of wood.
As Lay Cistercians we have made our choice to align ourselves with the likes of Abbot Elias, and go for the more simple things.
May God bring us altogether to everlasting life.
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