Chapter 33

Monastics and Private Ownership

“All things should be the common possession of all
‘so that no one possesses ownership
of anything.’” RB

WHEN WE BEGIN TO ACCUMULATE
we begin to forget
our common responsibility
for the planet
and all its people.

What we need and what we want
are two different things.
And that can be hard to determine.

But one thing is clear:
when we have what we need
it is time to get serious
about seeing that others have the same.

Then we have to begin to do more
than charity.
We must demand just legislation
and sufficiency for everyone.

—from A Little Rule For Beginners by Joan Chittister (Benetvision)