Holy Rule for March 9
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St. Mary's Monastery
Mar 8, 2026, 5:06:12 PM (5 days ago) Mar 8
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Br. Jerome Leo’s Daily Reflection on the Holy Rule
March 9, July 9, November 8
Chapter 31: What Kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery Should Be (13-19)
Above all things let him have humility; and if he has nothing else to give let him give a good word in answer for it is written, "A good word is above the best gift" (Sirach 18:17).
Let him have under his care all that the Abbot has assigned to him, but not presume to deal with what he has forbidden him.
Let him give the brethren their appointed allowance of food without any arrogance or delay, that they may not be scandalized, mindful of the Word of God as to what he deserves "who shall scandalize one of the little ones" (Matt 18:6).
If the community is a large one, let helpers be given him, that by their assistance he may fulfill with a quiet mind the office committed to him. The proper times should be observed in giving the things that have to be given and asking for the things that have to be asked for, that no one may be troubled or vexed in the house of God.
REFLECTION
Many would shrug at a chapter like this saying: "I'm not cellarer. What has that to do with me?" Everything, everything. This chapter, like those on the Abbot, is a masterful view of Benedictine authority and stewardship in any capacity. We should never presume to usurp roles that are not our own, but in covering those roles, the Holy Rule again and again gives models to all.
I am not cellarer, but this chapter reminds me that no job is an empire, a turf, a personal fiefdom that one administers temperamentally and without love. Jobs, for Benedictines in world or monastery, are stewardships, not power trips. (At least that ought to be true. Alas, it is sometimes otherwise...) If people have to become so careful of a given official, wearing kid gloves at every possible turn, something is very, very wrong. Now the community is reduced to serving the official, when it is supposed to be the other way around!
Of course, the needs of those who come to us at work or at home can be overwhelming, even oppressive at times, but we are told not to react to those buttons pushed, but to react with love and humility. Whatever your job is, the reality is that if there were none with needs, you would likely be unemployed. Always remember that. We serve, we do not rule. Our call is to forget ourselves in service, not to present our intransigent selves to be served.
Our motto is Peace, because St. Benedict knew how completely essential to a fruitful monastic life inner peace was and is. That's why he gives this really rather astounding principle: "...that no one may be troubled or vexed in the house of God." It's God's house, not ours. Wake up, folks. If the servants are giving orders tyrannically, something's wrong at the manor! It's not their house. It's His.
Br. Jerome Leo Hughes, OSB (RIP)
Br. Jerome Leo’s Daily Reflection on the Holy Rule
March 9, July 9, November 8
Chapter 31: What Kind of Man the Cellarer of the Monastery Should Be (13-19)
Above all things let him have humility; and if he has nothing else to give let him give a good word in answer for it is written, "A good word is above the best gift" (Sirach 18:17).
Let him have under his care all that the Abbot has assigned to him, but not presume to deal with what he has forbidden him.
Let him give the brethren their appointed allowance of food without any arrogance or delay, that they may not be scandalized, mindful of the Word of God as to what he deserves "who shall scandalize one of the little ones" (Matt 18:6).
If the community is a large one, let helpers be given him, that by their assistance he may fulfill with a quiet mind the office committed to him. The proper times should be observed in giving the things that have to be given and asking for the things that have to be asked for, that no one may be troubled or vexed in the house of God.
REFLECTION
Many would shrug at a chapter like this saying: "I'm not cellarer. What has that to do with me?" Everything, everything. This chapter, like those on the Abbot, is a masterful view of Benedictine authority and stewardship in any capacity. We should never presume to usurp roles that are not our own, but in covering those roles, the Holy Rule again and again gives models to all.
I am not cellarer, but this chapter reminds me that no job is an empire, a turf, a personal fiefdom that one administers temperamentally and without love. Jobs, for Benedictines in world or monastery, are stewardships, not power trips. (At least that ought to be true. Alas, it is sometimes otherwise...) If people have to become so careful of a given official, wearing kid gloves at every possible turn, something is very, very wrong. Now the community is reduced to serving the official, when it is supposed to be the other way around!
Of course, the needs of those who come to us at work or at home can be overwhelming, even oppressive at times, but we are told not to react to those buttons pushed, but to react with love and humility. Whatever your job is, the reality is that if there were none with needs, you would likely be unemployed. Always remember that. We serve, we do not rule. Our call is to forget ourselves in service, not to present our intransigent selves to be served.
Our motto is Peace, because St. Benedict knew how completely essential to a fruitful monastic life inner peace was and is. That's why he gives this really rather astounding principle: "...that no one may be troubled or vexed in the house of God." It's God's house, not ours. Wake up, folks. If the servants are giving orders tyrannically, something's wrong at the manor! It's not their house. It's His.
Br. Jerome Leo Hughes, OSB (RIP)
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