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St. Benedict’s Rule for Monasteries (516)

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Re: St. Benedict’s Rule for Monasteries (516)

#25
post #8
post #6

"We read, it is true, that wine is by no means a drink for monks; but since the monks of our day cannot be persuaded of this, let us at least agree to drink sparingly and not to satiety, because 'wine makes even the wise fall away.'" I'm a Catholic, and this is the rule that amuses me the most. The monks were willing to give up most material possessions and submit to a life of poverty, obedience, and sexual abstinenc…

I always considered it more of a reflection on practicality. There is going to be wine around the monastery, if only because it is necessary for Mass. Therefore, you cannot really ban wine, so are you really going to dedicate a group of monks to the sole task of cellar guard duty?

I don't know if this is off-topic, but in some religions, including Judaism and some denominations of Christianity, drinking is a religious necessity.

In Judaism: Every Sabbath, you bless and drink wine. Every Passover, you drink four cups of wine. Every Purim, you are commanded to drink to your happiness.

In some denominations of Christianity: You drink wine as part of the Eucharist.

On the other hand, I think in Islam, drinking wine is forbidden. So different religions have different views on drink.

Re: St. Benedict’s Rule for Monasteries (516)

#26
post #6

"We read, it is true, that wine is by no means a drink for monks; but since the monks of our day cannot be persuaded of this, let us at least agree to drink sparingly and not to satiety, because 'wine makes even the wise fall away.'" I'm a Catholic, and this is the rule that amuses me the most. The monks were willing to give up most material possessions and submit to a life of poverty, obedience, and sexual abstinenc…

"...But where the circumstances of the place are such that not even the measure prescribed above can be supplied, but much less or none at all, let those who live there bless God and not murmur. Above all things do we give this admonition, that they abstain from murmuring."

But if we run out, above all there will be no complaining.

Re: St. Benedict’s Rule for Monasteries (516)

#27

Interesting to see this on the front page! I spent a year in a monetary mostly cloistered. While I'm glad now for the life I ultimately chose of having a family, I often draw from the experience, especially the discernment process (the Ignatius Exercises) and the meditation/contemplation practice.

I would love to hear about your experiences. Do you have a blog?
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