|
We should then choose for our food, not only that which moderates the
heat of burning lust, and avoids kindling it; but what is easily got ready,
and what is recommended by its cheapness, and is suitable to the life of
the brethren and their common use. For the nature of gluttony is threefold:
first, there is that which forces us to anticipate the proper hour for a
meal, next that which delights in stuffing the stomach, and gorging all
kinds of food; thirdly, that which takes pleasure in more refined and
delicate feasting. And so against it a monk should observe a threefold
watch: first, he should wait till the proper time for breaking the fast;
secondly, he should not give way to gorging; thirdly, he should be
contented with any of the commoner sorts of food. For anything that is
taken over and above what is customary and the common use of all, is
branded by the ancient tradition of the fathers as defiled with the sin of
vanity and glorying and ostentation. Nor of those whom we have seen to be
deservedly eminent for learning and discretion, or whom the grace of Christ
has singled out as shining lights for every one to imitate, have we known
any who have abstained from eating bread which is accounted cheap and
easily to be obtained among them; nor have we seen that any one who has
rejected this rule and given up the use of bread and taken to a diet of
beans or herbs or fruits, has been reckoned among the most esteemed, or
even acquired the grace of knowledge and discretion. For not only do they
lay it down that a monk ought not to ask for foods which are not customary
for others, lest his mode of life should be exposed publicly to all and
rendered vain and idle and so be destroyed by the disease of vanity; but
they insist that the common chastening discipline of fasts ought not
lightly to be disclosed to any one, but as far as possible concealed and
kept secret. But when any of the brethren arrive they rule that we ought to
show the virtues of kindness and charity instead of observing a severe
abstinence and our strict daily rule: nor should we consider what our own
wishes and profit or the ardour of our desires may require, but set before
us and gladly fulfil whatever the refreshment of the guest, or his weakness
may demand from us.
|
|