Rule of Benedict 47

March 30, 2010

Chapter 7:23-30 continues on the theme of humility.

And in regard to the desires of the flesh, we must believe that God is always present to us, as the prophet says to the Lord: O lord, all my desire is before (Ps 38:10). Let us be on our guard then against evil desires, since death has its seat close to the entrance of delight; thus the Scripture commands us saying: Do not go after your desires (Sir 18:30 Here Benedict is quoting from the Apocrypha believing it is Scripture, not a belief held by Christians of all traditions). Since, therefore, the eyes of the Lord behold good and evil (Prov 15:3); and the lord is ever looking down from heaven upon the children of humans, to see who has understanding or is seeking God (Ps 14:2); and since the works of our hands are reported to God, our Maker and Creator, night and day by the angels appointed to watch over us; we must be always on the watch, brothers, lest, as  the prophet says in the psalm, God should see us at any time fall into evil and become unprofitable (Ps 14:3); and lest, though God spare us now because he is merciful and expects our conversion, God should say to us hereafter: THese things you did and I remained silent (Psalm 49:21).

Comment: If our lives are open books before the Lord our God, why are we so bold as to sin? The desire for forbidden delight seems to trump even the all seeing eyes of the Lord. Benedict’s warning to be diligent against evil desires because of the death they bring. Of course not all desire is evil. But given free rein to our desires will land us in hot water. In order to deal with these desires we must place along side of them the greater to live in the fear of the Lord (to live the love likfe with God). It is not enough to destroy evil. We must fill the vacuum with good.

Prayer: Dear God, we affirm that you are good. In your goodness, even when our desires are bent toward evil, show us the way of escape that we may be able to endure and overcome. Amen! Christ, have mercy!

Posted by georges boujakly | Filed Under Humility, St Benedict's Rule 

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