Chapter Forty-Nine
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
On the Keeping of Lent
THE life of a monk ought always to be a Lenten observance. Since, however, few have that sort of strength, we advise that at least during these days of Lent he guard his life with every kind of purity and that at the same time he wash away all his neglect of other season during these holy days. This will then be worthily done, if we restrain ourselves from all vices. Let us devote ourselves to tearful prayers, to reading and compunction of heart, and to abstinence.
During these days, therefore, let us add something to the usual amount of our service in the form of special prayers and abstinence from food and drink so that each one can freely offer to God “with the joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thess. 1:6) something above and beyond the expected measure—namely, let him deprive his body somewhat of food, drink, sleep, chattiness, merriment—and let him await holy Easter with the joy of spiritual desire.
Everyone, however, should make known to his Abbot what he is offering up; it should be done with his approval and blessing, because what is done without permission of a spiritual father will be considered presumption and vain glory, and not merit. Therefore, let everything be done with the approval of the Abbot.