Let a man consider that God is always looking at him from heaven,that his actions are everywhere visible to the divine eyes and are constantly being reported to God by the Angels. This is what the Prophet shows us when he represents God as ever present within our thoughts,in the words "Searcher of minds and hearts is God" (Ps. 7:10)and again in the words "The Lord knows the thoughts of men" (Ps. 93[94]:11). Again he says,"You have read my thoughts from afar" (Ps. 13[14]9:3) and "The thoughts of people will confess to You" (Ps. 75[76]:11). In order that he may be careful about his wrongful thoughts, therefore, let the faithful brother say constantly in his heart,"Then shall I be spotless before Him, if I have kept myself from my iniquity" (Ps. 17[18]:24).

When I was very young - first grade and before - I was convinced that everyone else could read minds, but I had been born without that skill.

Recognizing I was unable to know their full intention others were kind to me, did not discuss the issue, and did their best to explain what they would usually only need to think.

I was left doubly embarrassed. First that I had such a terrible disability. Second, that others could so easily know my "wrongful thoughts."

How this perception arose, I don't know. As with so many youthful conclusions it was adopted confidently, despite contradictory evidence.

This very early sense of being mentally naked continues in my relationship with God. I am often embarrassed. But it also results in not taking myself too seriously. So much of what I do or think - especially when most earnest - is so clearly ridiculous in God's eyes. All that either of us can do is laugh.

Above is a modern depiction of Benedict. I could not find one of him laughing or even smiling.