Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Rule of St. Benedict (Part 7)


Silence and Talk

The Rule of St. Benedict strongly cautions against talk.  "No matter how perfect the disciple," writes St. Benedict in Chapter 6, "nor how good and pious his speech he rarely should be given permission to speak for: "In much speaking, you shall not escape sin" (Prov. 10:19)."  In Chapter 42, St. Benedict writes "[m]onks should try to speak as little as possible, but especially at night."   St. Benedict adds "[i]f anyone speaks after Compline (the final canonical hour of the day), punishment will follow."

Tempering speech makes a monk less apt to sin against charity.  Also, silence aids a monk in hearing the voice of the Lord.

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