RB Reflection: 9 August 2008

Chapter 56. The Abbot's Table

The abbot's table must always be with guests and travelers. Whenever there are no guests, it is within his right to invite any of the brothers he wishes. However, for the sake of maintaining discipline, one or two seniors must always be left with the brothers.

What an interesting chapter. I cannot recall ever eating dinner with any abbot of Gethsemani, at any time. Of course, these days, the abbots and abbesses would have to spend every meal eating with the guests and never with the community.

This is one of the dreaded chapters when I took on the writing of the daily reflections on the rule. The understanding of the chapter in sixth century terms, and in 21st century terms is tough. However, I understand that at Mississippi Abbey, the nuns and the guests all eat together. Then again, every Abbey is different. Gethsemani does not do that.

So what can we learn as Lay Cistercians from this? This time I leave it up to you. I challenge you, the reader, to write to the list with your reading of this chapter and how it applies to us as members of the LCG. I will approve all messages in the morning.