Becoming a Community of Disciples

Chapter 6: Spiritual Teachings – Virtues and Discipline

79

Unhappy monks attempted to poison Benedict’s bread.

The Measure of Drink (RBen §40) 1 Everyone has his proper gift from God: one this, another that (1 Cor 7:7); 2 and it is therefore with some reluctance that we fix the measure for another. 3 However, taking into account the weakness of some, we believe that a hemina 5 of wine for each will suffice each day. 4 But those to whom God gives the strength to abstain should know that they will earn their proper reward. 5 If local necessity, or the work, or the heat of summer suggest that more is advisable, the matter rests with the will of the superior, care being taken in everything that satiety 6 or drunkenness not sneak in. 6 Even though we read that wine is certainly not for monks, yet, since in our days monks cannot be persuaded of this we must at

5 Hemina – a measurement that is equal to about half a bottle. 6 Satiety – being excessively gratified.