Monastic communities have long had a tradition of reading at the table during one of the daily meals. The material read differs from community to community and the length of the reading time may vary but for the most part monastic communities continue this tradition of reading during a meal to this day.
In our community, we read the first ten minutes of dinner during the week unless it is a special feast day. During that time, we are fed intellectually and spiritually as we are fed physically. Ideally the material read will serve as a conversation starter at our tables. It helps stimulate our imaginations and gives us all a common platform from which to speak.
Although I was a little hesitant about the value of this reading when I was younger, I have come to appreciate this brief time of daily silence. There have been lots of good conversations and sharing that has happened through this practice of reflective reading.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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