Caput XLV. Ut sanctimonialis debet si quid sibi superest, erogare.
The Call to Give Without Possessing
The recluse is challenged to examine how she can share with others when she owns nothing and must not even claim what is necessary for herself.
For if no one gives you anything to give away, where will you get what you're supposed to distribute? But if you have something of your own from your labor, give it — not with your own hand, but with another's — if your livelihood comes to you in abundance. How can you distribute what belongs to others, when you're not permitted to claim even the smallest thing beyond what you need? What kindness, then, will you bestow on your neighbor?
The Riches of Good Will and Piety
True generosity flows from good will, compassion, and prayer, which the recluse is urged to pour out freely and abundantly.
Nothing is richer than good will, as a certain saint says: 'Bestow this freely.' What is more compassionate than piety? Pour this out generously. What is more beneficial than prayer? Give this freely.
Read the original Latin
Si enim nihil tibi quisquam det ad erogandum, unde habebis quod eroges? si vero ex tuo aliquid habes labore, da non tua, sed alterius manu; si abunde tibi provenit victus. Unde tibi aliena distribuere, cum nihil tibi supra necessarium liceat usurpare? Quid ergo beneficii impendes proximo? Nihil ditius bona voluntate, ut ait quidam sanctus: hanc largire. Quid humanius pietate? hanc impende. Quid utilius oratione?
hanc largire.
De institutione inclusarum (A Rule of Life for a Recluse) companion
A rule only lives if you keep it daily
Chosen Portion gives your new rule its anchor: one free devotional portion every day.
Aelred built his sister's day around fixed times of prayer and meditation; Chosen Portion supplies the fixed daily portion that makes a modern rule of life keepable.
- Anchor your rule with a fixed 10-minute daily portion
- Practice Aelred's threefold meditation with guided daily prompts
- Review and adjust your one-page rule after 30 days of tracked practice