The word charity has been transformed almost beyond recognition. For most of us it now means a transfer of money to a not-for-profit organization that is also known as a charity.

Charity is a translation of caritas in Benedict's original text. Caritas is the typical Latin translation of the Greek agape. We are to serve one another in charity, caritas, agape... or in self-sacrificing love.

We serve one another with an attitude precisely opposite of what Benedict prescribes for the cellarer. While he is to know what he gives out and receives back, we are, in love, to give out with no concern for what we receive back.

Above is another depiction of Benedict with his Rule. To the left is a photograph of the Sisters of St. Benedict at St. Vincent Monastery in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.