Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 31:13-19
Mass: Hos 11:1-14, 8e-9; Resp Ps 80; Mt 10:7-15
LET US SEE YOUR FACE, LORD, AND WE SHALL BE SAVED.
(Resp Ps 80)
This is the second day with Saint Benedict's chapter on the qualifications of the monastery cellarer. The chapter is worth reading in its entirety and is relevant for anyone having responsibility for people and goods in the home, community, or work environment. One might call the cellarer's office the Department of Human Resources. The specific job as detailed by St Benedict is not for everyone. When you read it, you will see. For example, the cellarer is "wise, mature in conduct, temperate, not an excessive eater, not proud, excitable, offensive, dilatory or wasteful" (RB 31:1). The cellarer "must show every care and concern for the sick, children, guests and the poor" (RB 31:9). She "will regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar" (RB 31:10). Put another way, she will be mindful and show reverence for all people and things.
The cellarer has been entrusted with the human and material goods of the monastery. He will be humble (RB 31:13) and fulfill the requests and needs of the brothers or sisters. If he is unable to meet a request, the cellarer "will offer a kind word in reply, for it is written: A kind word is better than the best gift (Sir 18:17)" (RB 31:14). One could summarize the work of the cellarer with something Jesus says in today's Gospel: "Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give" (Mt 10:8).
SAINT AUGUSTINE ZAO RONG AND HIS COMPANIONS,
PRAY FOR US.
Today's photo: Sadly, I am having trouble in this department. Please bear with me as it may be a few days to get this technical difficulty worked out. Stay tuned for more beauty from Redwoods.© Gertrude Feick 2020
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