Monday, February 13, 2017

Chapter 11: Vigils or night office on Sunday


This arrangement for Vigils is followed in the same way on every Sunday both in summer and winter, unless -- which God forbid -- the community gets up late, in which case the lessons or responsories should to some extent be shortened. (From para. 2 of Ch. 11 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry OSB, 1997.)

In the very midst of his instructions, I read that St. Benedict compassionately acknowledges human failing -- as well as forgiveness, reasonable adjustment and continued commitment. And I'm also led to reflect that maybe sometimes what I think of as my failings, are really my unique qualities, opportunities for God to manifest in ordinary and unexpected ways.

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