Chapter Thirty-Eight
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
On the Weekly Reader
READING must not be lacking when the brethren sit at table for meals, but no one should randomly select a text and read it. Rather, let him who is to read for the whole week formally begin his Office on Sunday. After Mass and Communion let him ask all to pray that God may preserve him from the spirit of pride. And let the following verse be said three times by all in the oratory, with the reader himself beginning it: Domine, labia mea aperies, et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam (Ps. 50:17; 51:17, Vulg.), and thus having received the blessing let him commence reading.
Let a profound silence be observed at the table so that no whispering or any voice be heard except that of the reader alone. While they are eating and drinking, let the brethren so help each that no one need ask for anything. If, however, something is desired, let it be asked for by means of a sign of any kind rather than a sound. And let no one presume to ask any questions there, either about the book or anything else, in order that no occasion to speak be given (Eph. 4:27; 1 Tim. 5:14), unless, perhaps, the Superior wishes to say a few words for edification.
Let the brother who is reader for the week take a little bread and wine before he starts to read, on account of Holy Communion; otherwise, it may prove too hard for him to fast so long. Afterward, however, he should take his meal in the kitchen with the weekly cooks and the servers. Finally, the brethren are not to read or to sing according to their rank, but rather according to their ability to edify those listening.