low Jesus, a man who had “no placeto lay his head” and who lived bythe kindness of others, this is a practice of compassionate justice. I maynot get what I want all the time. ButI know the community will providewhatever I need. I just have to knowthe difference and give thanks.
While Benedict puts several
chapters in the Rule about work, he
doesn’t specify exactly what work or
ministry a monastery should focus
surrenders her personal goods and
her very self to the community.
The community holds all thingsin common. Benedict was a wiseleader who said those who needmore should be given more becauseof human weakness, but those whoneed less should be given less andbe grateful that God has made themable to make do with less.
To our modern ears this mayseem unfair, but for those who fol
BROTHER MARIANOMendez, O.S.B.answers questionsfrom students at St.John’s University.Making visitorsfeel at homeis a hallmarkof Benedictinespirituality.
COUR TES Y OF S T. JOHN’S ABBE Y IN COLLEGEVILLE, MINNESOTA
support the life of the monastery,to pay the bills and put food on thetable. Second, through work weparticipate in God’s creation, whichis why many monasteries are centersof art, craft, and beauty. Third, wework to be of service to others, toshare what we have with those inneed.
We do not work for individualgain. We work as a community fora common goal. Each Benedictine
