Be attentive to the topics of conversation during meals, and throughout the entire day, and listen to readings during meal times, regularly.
The brothers and sisters of the vowed life are told that they are to maintain silence during their meals and to listen to a reading from scripture or some other holy writing. This practice is fitting as they have chosen a life of silent conversation with God; that in their silence, they do not eat in ignorant emptiness, like a husband and wife who sit across from one another refusing to say a single word, but in listening to God’s word, they enter into a meaningful and substantial conversation with their Beloved; in the silence, the brothers and sisters are sharing in the important events of their day, they ponder over questions that may be spinning in their minds and share what they have learned. Meal times for the brothers and sisters are silent, but active: they are learning together, savoring together, recalling together and join the daily sustenance of life on earth, the regular nutrition of the body, with the sustenance of our soul and life in heaven.
It may be possible that if we look at the meals of the brothers and sisters in this way, not as the empty silence of people who have vowed not to speak to one another, but the dynamic conversation of another and very intentional way, then it is easier to see how we may share in this fruit and what it may offer to us as we sit down to share meals with our friends and families, with co-workers and fellow students, and even when we may be sitting by ourself and outwardly alone.
It may be possible that if we look at the meals of the brothers and sisters in this way, not as the empty silence of people who have vowed not to speak to one another, but the dynamic conversation of another and very intentional way, then it is easier to see how we may share in this fruit and what it may offer to us as we sit down to share meals with our friends and families, with co-workers and fellow students, and even when we may be sitting by ourself and outwardly alone.
RSS Feed