The meals of the sisters should not be without reading. Nor should the reader be anyone who happens to take up the book; but there should be a reader for the whole week, entering that office on Sunday. Let this incoming reader, after Mass and Communion, ask all to pray for her that God may keep her from the spirit of pride. And let her intone the following verse, which shall be said three times by all in the oratory: "O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise." Then, having received a blessing, let her enter on the reading. And let absolute silence be kept at table, so that no whispering may be heard nor any voice except the reader's. As to the things they need while they eat and drink, let the sisters pass them to one another so that no one need ask for anything. If anything is needed, however, let it be asked for by means of some audible sign rather than by speech. Nor shall anyone at table presume to ask questions about the reading or anything else, lest that give occasion for talking; except that the Superior may perhaps wish to say something briefly for the purpose of edification. The sister who is reader for the week shall take a little ablution before she begins to read, on account of the Holy Communion and lest perhaps the fast be hard for her to bear. She shall take her meal afterwards with the kitchen and table servers of the week. The sisters are not to read or chant in order, but only those who edify their hearers.

I am a good reader of scripture. I have a voice that projects. I know how to pace my delivery to focus attention. I am not afraid to incorporate some emotion, even drama, into the reading. It helps to have a patriarchal male voice.

Following a service when I have read it is not uncommon for two or three to comment on my "wonderful reading." My standard response is, "Thanks. Easy to do with a great script." This is, of course, meant to deflect pride.

Yet I am proud. Yet the reading is effective. This is a persistent paradox. The reading is not - should not - be about me. The reading is God's word. At most I am a vessel. Please pray for me and keep me from the spirit of pride.