Chapter 8: The Divine Office at Night

It seems reasonable that during wintertime, that is from the first of November until Easter all should arise at the eighth hour of the night. By that time, having rested until a little after midnight, they may rise with their food well digested. (From Ch. 8 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

Rising rested and with food well digested -- here Benedict shows me another tender, practical concern for the whole of my being, and for the necessity of integrity in body and soul as making me fit for the service of the Lord.