Final answer:
The monks tried to poison St. Benedict because they resented his strict monastic reforms and the disciplined lifestyle he imposed on them, leading to their extreme elimination attempts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The monks that invited St. Benedict to their monastery attempted to poison him because they disagreed with his strict monastic rules and could not endure his disciplined lifestyle. They resented his efforts to enforce reforms and instead of adapting or seeking his departure in more peaceful ways, they resorted to trying to eliminate him. Two attempts were made; the first involved poisoning his bread, and when that failed, they tried to poison his drink. Both attempts, according to legend, were thwarted by divine intervention, highlighting the belief in St. Benedict's spiritual sanctity and protection.