"Everyone has her own gift from God, one in this way and another in that" (1 Cor. 7:7). It is therefore with some misgiving that we regulate the measure of others' sustenance. Nevertheless, keeping in view the needs of the weak, we believe that a hemina of wine a day is sufficient for each. But those to whom God gives the strength to abstain should know that they will receive a special reward. If the circumstances of the place, or the work or the heat of summer require a greater measure, the superior shall use her judgment in the matter, taking care always that there be no occasion for surfeit or drunkenness. We read it is true, that wine is by no means a drink for monastics; but since the monastics of our day cannot be persuaded of this let us at least agree to drink sparingly and not to satiety, because "wine makes even the wise fall away" (Eccles. 19:2). But where the circumstances of the place are such that not even the measure prescribed above can be supplied, but much less or none at all, let those who live there bless God and not murmur. Above all things do we give this admonition, that they abstain from murmuring.

I expect Benedict's admonition against murmuring will be about as successful as the encouragement to abstain from wine.

"Wine is by no means a drink for monastics; but since the monastics of our day cannot be persuaded of this...," he writes. Complaining and gossiping is by no means behavior for Christians; but...

Self-indulgence - and especially over-indulgence - is not good for us nor those with us. Yet we find reason and way to justify what we desire. The pleasure of a moment is allowed to distract us from greater good and finer pleasure.

Above is St. Benedict taking Communion by Signorelli.