Moderation in Life

Anyone who has been to Italy knows that good wine flows in Italy almost as abundantly as the water that available at the public fountains.

Benedict knew his community and understood human nature very well. He was a realist about the situations that arise within community--his and those that would follow. In setting guidelines for the use of food and drink in the monastery, he did not advocate strict mandates that few would be successful in following. He chose to follow a moderate path which allowed for the members to be able to challenge themselves to the next level--whatever that next level happened to be for them.

I need to remember that in my own life. Many times I start a new practice by striving for the gold medal rather than being comfortable with at least making a little progress every day.

Sr. Catherine, OSB