What is Fitting for Those in the Religious State

It is lawful and suitable for those in the religious state to teach and, if they are priests, to preach. For, if theyhave ability for such tasks, and are given jurisdiction by theright authorities, there is nothing in the works themselves to conflict with the religious state.

It is not lawful for those in the religious life to carry on secular business for motives of mere gain. Yet for charity, they may, with due moderation, occupy themselves with business affairs. Some measure of such work is required for the conducting of schools and orphanages. And in business connected with the Church or with the relief of a neighbor’s need, thereis charity, and not secular officiousness.

Those in the religious state are not bound to manual labor (unless there is a special precept requiring it in the Rule which they profess), any more than other people are so bound. Circumstances may, indeed, render manual labor necessary for religious, and then they are required to perform it.

It is certainly lawful for religious to live on alms.St. Benedict, living in a cave, and uninterruptedly intent on his spiritual growth, was supported for three years by food which a monk brought him at intervals; he did not engage in gainfullabor to support himself. Those religious who live on alms are notidlers. They sanctify themselves and others by diligentlyfulfilling the duties of their state, and are content to be regarded as dependents, accepting whatever is given them; thus theyare helped to be humble and are made more free to attend the things of God.

Not only may religious live on alms given them unasked;they may also beg for the material necessaries of life. To beg isto abase oneself, and when this is done for Christ, it is a notable act of religious humility, and a potent cure for pride.

St. Jerome, instructing the monk Rusticus, says,“Let your sober dress show your purity of mind, and your coarse cloak show your contempt of the world.” It is suitable for religious to use common and coarse attire, for such apparelbefits those who do penance and contemn worldly glory.