Christian Mission and Poverty

Chapter 2: A Monastic Response

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overjoyed at the indulgence shown him; and by this all the members will be at peace. Above all, do not let the evil of murmuring 4 appear in the least word or sign for any reason whatever. If anyone be found guilty in this way, let him be placed under very severe discipline. 4. Of the Weekly Servers in the Kitchen Let the brothers serve each other so that no one is excused from the work in the kitchen, except on account of sickness or more necessary work, because greater merit and more charity is acquired by this. Let help be given to the weak, however, that they may not do this work with sadness; but let all have help according to the size of the community and the circumstances of the place . . . Let him who is to go out of the weekly service, do the cleaning on Saturday. Let him wash the towels with which the brothers wipe their hands and feet. Let him who goes out, as well as him who is to come in, wash the feet of all. Let him return the utensils of his department to the Cellarer 5 clean and whole. Let the Cellarer give the same to the one who comes in, so that he may know what he gives and what he receives back. An hour before meal time let the weekly servers receive each a cup of drink and a piece of bread more than their prescribed portion, that they may serve their brothers at the time of refection without murmuring and undue strain. On solemn feast days, however, let them go without till after Mass.

4 Murmuring – complaining or gossiping 5 Cellarer – the monk responsible for providing food and drink.