On the Measure of Drink
Mar. 19—July 19—Nov. 18
“Everyone has his own gift from God, one in this way and another in
that.” It is therefore with some misgiving that we regulate the measure
of other men’s sustenance. Nevertheless, keeping in view the needs of
weaker brethren, 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 his 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
monks; but since the monks 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.”
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.