Efficiency

The Mepkin Abbey Community is delighted to share with all of you, from time to time, the
reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict. These are written by Benedictine Oblate of St. Vincent’s
Archabbey in Latrobe PA., retired Dr. Richard Fitzgerald, the former physician of our Mepkin
Community. Dr. Fitzgerald is a very dear friend and volunteered his services to us for many
years. We offer his writings in the hope that you also will find inspiration in them.

Fr. Joe Tedesco
Superior

Efficiency

A small business owner told me his shipping boxes cost $1.31 apiece. He knew, to the penny, the cost of doing business needed to have a successful outcome. He had considered every aspect of his venture and obviously struggled to improve quality and productivity. I admire his efficiency.

Efficiency is, in short, the most productive use of resources to maximize output while avoiding waste of materials, time, and energy, minimizing mistakes and redundancy. Two related concepts flowed from my reflection on efficiency: budget and Christian stewardship. They are intertwined but different. Let me dissect stewardship.

Traditionally, discussion of stewardship builds on the so called “3 T’s” of time, talent, and treasure. The good Samaritan used his time, talent, and treasure to care for the injured victim (Lk 10:29-31). Paul put forward the insight of different gifts given for the common good (1 Cor 12:4-7) to be used, shared with, and served to others as faithful stewards of God’s grace (1 Pt 4: 10-11). Christ’s message says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be, also.” (Mt 6:21)

St. Benedict in his Rule implies two other “T’s.” I submit he considers the efficient, humble use of “temperament” or deliberate wise counsel to be a talent and gift. Chapter 7 of the Rule peels back the benefits of efficient humility.
Earlier in Chapter 6 he concentrates on appropriate, restrained, speech (which I will call “tongue” to keeping the “T” reflection on stewardship). Chapter 6 begins: “Let us follow the Prophet’s counsel: I said, I have resolved to keep watch over my ways that I may never sin with my tongue. I have put a guard on my mouth. I was silent and was humbled, and I refrained even from good words (Ps 39: 2-3) Benedict continues: “Speaking and teaching are the master’s task; the disciple is to be silent and listen… We absolutely condemn in all places any vulgarity and gossip…”

Sometimes it seems easier to provide expertise or treasure than to budget time. Harder still is the efficient deployment of wisdom, temperament, and speech.

What does it cost, really cost, to be a good steward of time, treasure, talent, temperament, and tongue? How can I not squander my limited resources? And they are limited! How best can any of us improve an end- result by our efforts? Stewardship’s long-term goal differs from that of immediate husbandry, which is more immediate, time limited use of resources. Both require substantial expenditure and ethical management. I submit it is only by evaluating each aspect of the process of stewardship that there can be continued improvement of quality. Just as businesses need to be analytical to succeed by recognizing and adapting to technological developments, charities rely on their reputation, scrutinizing overhead costs and waste. I ask how is my stewardship to be rated by me or anyone else?

How might I efficiently budget my resources for meaningful stewardship that will be ethical and productive? The answer is not intuitive; but only achieved by an ongoing process of critical review. I promise myself to strive to be generous, yet realistic, knowing mistakes may be made along the way.

– Richard H. Fitzgerald, M.D., F.A.C.P.