Paul the Apostle, considered the human body as an example of God’s formation of community. Each part of the body playing a role. Whether the role was large or small, each part shares equal importance by contributing to the health of the whole body. Benedict has described the roles of abbot, prioress, and individual monks. In this chapter he calls us to focus on the cellarer. This is not the person responsible for monastery’s smart phones, this is a person whose responsibility is only exceeded by their humility. Benedict writes, “He will take care of everything, but will do nothing without an order from the abbot.”[1] From a humble heart, the cellarer serves. This is another example of Christ, whose works proceed from his being.
So, who is this cellarer? And, what do they have to do with my life? As an old soldier, I think of the cellarer as the logistician (the loggie) of the community. The Army divides the roles of soldiers into combat arms and combat support. The combat arms are the visible heroes of the Army; infantry, armor, artillery, and (my favorite) combat engineers. We are the “pointy end of the spear.” At least, we like to see ourselves that way. In reality, the combat support folks are the heroes! They keep everything supplied, maintained, and ready. They usually work it the background and respond to the needs of others. They provide fuel, food, and medical support. Without the support team, no one can accomplish anything. During my first Pentagon assignment, my general (a logistician) frequently reminded me by quoting Albert Einstein, “Nothing happens until something moves.”
St. Benedict established an important role. He gave the cellarer important responsibilities. The cellarer manages the supplies, maintains the property, and ensures all is ready for the functions of community life; work, prayer, and study. To prevent the cellarer from becoming arrogant and to be judicious in supporting all others, the Saint offers the greatest attribute of the cellarer must “Above all, let him be humble.”[2] No one was required to justify their request for support, the cellarer is to provide what is available. When things are not available, the suitable substitute is kind words. Jesus’ example was that of incarnate service, his yoke was easy – tailored to the neck of the laborer so that it fits naturally – and his burden is light – encouraging us to endure.[3]
Therefore, may each of us use our strengths, our gifts, even our authority to benefit others. May we be incarnate love for others, differing to their needs as we willingly sacrifice our wants. May my goal be to serve effectively, rather than to strive for efficiency. May we expand our service beyond one another and recognize our responsibility to care for things too. As Benedictines, may we care “for the earth and all things well.” [4]
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[1] Timothy Fry Benedict, “Qualifications of the Monastery Cellarer,” in RB 1980: The Rule of St. Benedict in English (1982), 54.
[2] _____, 55.
[3] Matthew 11:30.
[4] Joan Chittister, “The Manner of Reproving the Young,” in The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st Century (New York: Crossroad, 2010), 161.
