Becoming a Community of Disciples

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Becoming a Community of Disciples

least agree not to drink to satiety, but frugally, 7 for wine makes even the wise fall away (Sir 19:2). 8 But where local necessities are such that even the above-mentioned measure cannot be supplied, and instead there is much less or nothing at all, those who dwell there are to bless God and not murmur. 9 This we admonish above everything else: that they refrain from murmuring. The Observance of Lent (RBen §49) 1 Although at all times the life of a monk ought to be a Lenten observance, 2 yet since few have the strength for this we encourage all during these days of Lent to keep themselves in all purity of life, 3 and to wash away the negligences of other times during these holy days. 4 This we will do worthily if we abstain from all vices and give ourselves to prayer with tears, reading, compunction 7 of heart, and abstinence. 5 Therefore during these days let us augment somewhat our usual quota of service through private prayers and abstinence from food and drink, 6 so that each may offer, above his appointed measure and of his own free will, something to God in the joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thess 1:6): 7 that is, by withholding from his body something of food, drink, sleep, excessive talking, ridiculing; and thus awaiting holy Easter with the joy of spiritual desire (cf. Luke 22:15). 8 Everyone is, however, is to make known to his Abbot what he offers, and do it with his prayer and according to his will, 9 because what is done without permission of the spiritual father will be attributed to presumption and

7 Compunction – regret.