RB Reflection: 8 August 2008

Chapter 55.15-22 (bravely typed by me)

For bedding the monks will need a mat, a woolen blanket and a light covering as well as a pillow.

The beds are to be inspected frequently by the abbot, lest private possessions be found there. A monk discovered with anything not given him by the abbot must be subjected to very severe punishment. In order that this vice of private ownership may be completely uprooted, the abbot is to provide all things necessary: that is, cowl, tunic, sandals, shoes, belt, knife, stylus, needle, handkerchief and writing tablets. In this way every excuse of lacking some necessity will be taken away.

The abbot, however, must always bear in mind what is said in the Acts of the Apostles: Distribution was made to each one as he had need (Acts 4:35). In this way the abbot will take into account the weaknesses of the needy, not the evil will of the envious; yet in all his judgments he must bear in mind God's retribution.

Since the abbot is not meant to be a tyrant, we again must look deeper for what Benedict is telling us. First we are greeted with the letter of the law inspecting beds (one does wonder what he's looking for exactly), making sure no private possessions are lurking around. Then we get the spirit of the law where the abbot is to "take into account the weakness of the needy."

That's a nice touch, and one that seems to have almost nothing to do with Lay Cistercian life in the 21st Century. I'm going out on a limb here but I think the lesson for us is to take our gifts from God with joy, and not pout because we aren't rich like that guy over there, or don't have a dress like that woman over there. Judging ourselves by what we own is to judge ourselves by the standards of the world and not by the standards -- certainly -- of any acceptable Lay Cistercian standard.

If you are a rich Lay Cistercian, accept it with joy and thanksgiving to God. If you are a poor Lay Cistercian, accept it with joy and thanksgiving to God -- plus don't envy the rich Lay Cistercian! This is where remembering that we are NOT monks and nuns should help us. Private possessions of other people are none of our business. We are not little abbots running around inspecting the beds of our brothers and sisters, or their closets (no matter how much fun that might be), or their bank accounts.

In fact, I don't think in the application to Lay Cistercians this chapter has anything to do with beds or clothes, it has to do with turning to God for our sustenance, looking to God for all things that keep us servants of God.

May God bring us altogether to everlasting life. (Even if I still want that 40" flat screen, HD, plasma television)