Envy and jealousy was just as rampant in Benedict’s day as in our own. Due to this, a priest in a neighboring church set out to undermine Benedict’s work. However, Benedict’s reputation for holiness continued to grow as did the number of those gathering around him to lead the monastic life. The priest himself longed to enjoy a same reputation but was not of the mind to live a similar way of life.
Unable to thwart Benedict, he decided to give Benedict a poisoned loaf of bread under the guise of friendship. Benedict, however, was instantly aware of the poison it contained and gave it to a raven to dispose of where it would bring harm to no one. About three hours later the raven returned to Benedict who fed it as he normally did each day.
Unable to destroy Benedict, the priest tried instead to destroy the community by sending “seven depraved women into the garden of Benedict St. Benedict, page 24.)
Realizing that the priest’s hatred for him was at the root of this last action, Benedict made up his mind to leave with a few monks to begin afresh. Before leaving he took care to reorganize the monasteries he had founded.
Hardly had Benedict quit that district when the priest was crushed to death while standing on the balcony of his house when it collapsed. Maurus, who had remained behind, quickly sent a messenger with the news and the suggestion that Benedict return since the priest was dead. Benedict was saddened at the news, even more so that one of his disciples should rejoice at it.
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