Comic Relief

Years ago when I entered the monastery the table servers of the week had a very important role of service. All meals were served family style, so after the prayer, the young sisters who were usually the servers, brought the trays of food to each table. Every meal provided some kind of embarrassment for the young sisters and comic relief for the community. I know most of the stories are true--many a bowl of mashed potatoes or gravy was served in the Mother Prioress’s lap; many a glass of tea or cup of coffee stained the white tablecloths, the sound of many a tray of dishes dropped echoed in the silent dining room, and many a young sister’s habit revealed the meal’s offerings and had to be changed after the meal.

The buffet line has taken away the table servers and the comic relief, but Benedict reminds us that the dining room is the place where everyone serves one another in love, and where everyone is accountable for the cleanliness and care of the goods used there.

Sr. Veronica, OSB