Punctuality as Respecting the Dignity of Others

It may be a wonder to us that chapter 43 of the Rule of St. Benedict would address punctuality. The topic
doesn’t seem to be that important. And being punctual looks different from culture to culture, so what
can Benedict really say to us? Furthermore, it seems distasteful that Benedict recommends that
community members do penance for failures of punctuality. But what is perhaps most surprising to us is
that Benedict addresses punctuality as a good in and of itself. In other words, Benedict does not
commend punctuality for the sake of the important events we might be early or late to. Rather, Benedict
considers punctuality important no matter how exalted or mundane the activity is. From daily corporate
prayer and services to regular meals — and everything else in between — each community event should
be revered not only through attendance, but punctual arrival.

Now, that Benedict would direct his monks to be punctual to worship and prayer seems to make perfect
sense. After all, these are times when the Lord of heaven and earth comes to meet us and commune
with us. But asking his followers to take this same timely care for everyday corporate meals or for all
other worldly appointments might seem like a step too far. And this would be the case, of course, were it
not for the fact that all corporate events necessarily entail being present with other people.

Here we approach the heart of punctuality as a virtue. It’s not so much the importance of the events
themselves that make punctuality virtuous. Rather, it is the fact that these events necessarily require our
presence with others. Being punctual to a corporate event — whether it be with a large group or just one
other human being — communicates our recognition of the inherent dignity and importance of those
with whom we gather. Punctuality in action proclaims that not only is this event important, but the
people who I am to gather with are also important. In essence, to be punctual is, in very concrete terms,
to love your neighbors and to recognize in them the image of God who created us all and, at the right
time, redeemed us by His grace.

Of course, we will at times find ourselves to be late for this or that. It’s going to happen. Even in writing
these words, I’m finding myself on the verge of being late for another appointment. Lord, have mercy. At
the same time, the Rule provides for us a fine and godly standard to aim for: a habit of punctuality that
treats others and their time as important as our own. It is a habit worth cultivating for the sake of the
communities in which God has placed us and the lives of holiness he has called us to live out with one
another.