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January 1st - May 2nd - September 1st
Harken, O my son; bend the ear of thy heart, and the advice of thy pious Father freely take up, and efficaciously perform thou, so that to Him thou may'st by means of the toil of obedience return, just as from Him thou hadst by means of the idleness of disobedience withdrawn. And so now to thee is my talk a-righted, whosoever thou art, who, in recanting thine own will shall serve as a soldier for the true Lord Christ the King, thou dost take up obedience's most mighty and most famous arms.
First of all, so that whatever good work thou art to embark upon, thou shouldst ask in thy most pressing prayer that it be by Him finished, so that he who is worthy to count us in the number of his sons, ought he not to ofttimes weep in lament o'er our wicked ways. For thus must we at every time obey Him because of His good deeds for us, so that not as an angry father might He forthwith disinherit his sons, nor as a fearful lord, enraged by our evils, might He give us o'er to everlasting punishment as if we were His most vile slaves who did not wish to follow Him to glory.
January 2nd - May 3rd - September 2nd
"The hour is nigh for us to rise from sleep."
(-Romans 13.11)
And, with our eyes open towards the God-made light, let us with our thunderstruck ears hear what the divine voice daily proclaims and warns us by saying:
"If on this day His voice ye do hear, harden ye not your hearts."
(-Psalm 94.8)
And again:
"The one who hath ears for listening, let them listen to what the Spirit saieth in the churches."
(-Revelation 2.7)
And what doth the Spirit say?
"Come, sons, hear me! Fear of God I shall teach ye!"
(-Psalm 33.12)
"Run while yet the light of life ye have, lest the shadows of death put their hands on ye."
(-John 12.35)
January 3rd - May 4th - September 3rd
"Who is the one who wishes for life and longs to see good days?"But if upon hearing this thou dost reply, "Aye, 'tis I!" then saieth unto thee God: "If thou willst to have a true and everlasting life,
(-Psalm 33.13)
'guard thy tongue against evil and let not thy lips utter deceit. Turn aside from evil and do good. Seek peace and follow after it'.
(-Psalm 33.14-15)
"And when ye will have done these things, then,
'Mine eyes will be upon ye and mine ears will hear your prayers,'
(-Psalm 33.16)
'and then ye shall upon Me call, I shall speak to ye: "LO, I AM HERE!"'"
(-Isaiah 58.9)
What is sweeter than this voice of God beckoning us, most dear brothers? Lo, with His devotion the Lord showeth to us the way of life.
January 4th - May 5th - September 4th
"And so, with our loins girded,"by faith and the attention of good acts, by the guidance of the Gospels
(-Ephesians 6.14)
"let us walk along His paths, so that we may deserve Him who hath called us to look upon His kingdom."
(-1 Thessalonians 2.12)
If in the tent of this kingdom we wish to live, if not thither with good acts we run, then in no way shall we arrive. But let us with the Prophet ask the Lord, and so we say to Him:
"Lord, who will live in Thy tent, or who shall find rest on Thy holy mountain?"After this question, brothers, let us harken unto the Lord when replieth He and shows us the way to His own tent, and thus saieth He:
(-Psalm 14.1)
"He who doth enter without stain of sin and is a worker of justice; he who doth speak the truth in his own heart; he who doth not carry deceit on his tongue; he who doth not do wicked to his neighbor; he who doth not give slander against his neighbor.
(-Psalm 14.2-3)
"He hath led to naught that wicked slanderer who tempts anything, casting the evil one along with his very temptation from the sight of the former's heart, and he hath laid hands on his young and foolish thoughts and hath dashed them against Christ."It is they who, in fearing the Lord, do not declare themselves exalted by their own good observance, but they know that the very goodness within them cannot come from them, but from the Lord, and they glorify the Lord working within them, saying thus as the Prophet saieth:
(-Psalm 14.4 & 136.9)
"Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Thy Name give glory."
(-Psalm 113.9)
Just as Paul the Apostle did not attribute anything concerning his preaching to himself, saying:
"By the glory of God I am what I am."(-1 Corinthians 15.10)
And again, the very man saieth:
"He who glories, let him in the Lord glory."(-2 Corinthians 10.17)
January 5th - May 6th - September 5th
"He who heeds these my words and does them, I shall liken to a wise man who hath built his home o'er rock. Came the rivers, blew the winds, and crashed they against the house -- but it did not fall, for it hath been established o'er rock."(-Matthew 7.24-25)
In fulfilling these things, the Lord awaits us daily so that we ought to answer His holy admonishments by these our deeds. Therefore, on account of the correcting of our wicked ways, are the days of our lives enlivened towards a respite, as the Apostle saieth:
"Know'st not thou that the patience of God leads thee to penance?"(-Romans 2.4)
For the pious Lord saieth:
"I do not wish for the death of the sinner, but let him be converted and live."(-Ezekial 33.11)
January 6th - May 7th - September 6th
And, in fleeing the punishments of Hell, if to life -- life everlasting -- we wish to come, then while there is time and we are within this body, and there is time to fulfill all these things in the light of this life, we must run and do what is profitable for us in eternity.
January 7th - May 8th - September 7th
January 8th - May 9th - September 8th
It is clear that there are four kinds of monks:
The first kind are the Cenobites (koinobites - the "common-lifers"), that is, the monastic order which serves under a rule or abbot.
The second kind are the Anchorites (anakhorites, the "world-withdrawn"), that is, the hermits who are not in the early ardor of their walk in the way of faith, but have been trained by long testing in a monastery and by the comfort of many brethren have become well-learned in ways of fighting the devil. These hermits (heremites - "wastelanders") are well-trained to withdraw from the ranks of their brethren for single combat in the wasteland, for they are already steadfast without the comfort of anyone else, and with the help of God they single-handedly avail to wage battle against the vices of flesh and wicked thoughts.
But the third and a very vile kind of monks are the Sarabaites ("vagabonds"), who are tested by no rule, no teacher's instruction, and so, just as gold is tested in a furnace (Wisdom 3.6), they are instead as soft as lead. This is because they still keep loyalty to the world by their works, and so they lie before God through their tell-tale haircut. They live in twos, or threes, or even singly without a shepherd, so not within the Lord's, but within their own sheepfold are they enclosed, for the pleasure of their desires is lawful to them -- this is because whatever they have thought or decided they call holy, and whatever they do not want or like they think it unlawful to do.
And as for the fourth kind of monks, the ones named Girovages ("landlopers"), they spend their whole lives going around different provinces, staying as guests from room to room three or four days at a time. Always on the move and never settled, they are slaves to their own pleasures and the cravings of their gullet -- in every respect they are more terrible than the Sarabaites. It is better to be silent than engage in most unhappy talk about such as these, and so, after skipping them over, let us come by the aid of God to discuss the strongest kind of monks -- the Cenobites.
January 9th - May 10th - September 9th
Chapter 2: What Sort Of Person Ought The Abbot To Be
The abbot who is worthy to be in charge of a monastery ought always to keep in mind what is said and in action to fulfill his title of "superior"; for the abbot is believed to hold the place of Christ in the monastery since he is called by His very own name, as the Apostle saieth:
"Ye have received the spirit of the adoption of sons in which we cry: 'Abba, Father!'"(-Romans 8.15)
And for this reason, the abbot ought to teach or decide or bid nothing beyond the command of the Lord, but let his bidding or his teaching be sown into the minds of his students as the leaven of God's justice.
January 10th - May 11th - September 10th
Let the abbot be ever mindful that a full account of his own teaching or their students' obedience, indeed, each and every thing shall have to be made to the dread judgment of God. Let the abbot know that whatever fault the master can find in his sheepfold lieth at the shepherd's feet; but on the other hand it shall be likewise if all the shepherd's attentiveness had been applied to a restless and unruly flock, and endless care had been shown to correct their diseased deeds -- then let the shepherd be absolved in the judgment of the Lord and say with the Prophet:
"Thy justice I have not hidden away in mine heart, but I have spoken Thy truth and Thy salvation;"(-Psalm 39[40].11)
"But they have despised and condemned me."(-Isaiah 1.2; Ezekial 20.27)
And then at last shall there be for the disobedient sheep within the shepherd's fold the penalty of ever-lasting death.
January 11th - May 12th - September 11th
And so, when someone doth take up the name of abbot, he ought to lead his students by twofold training. To expand upon this, let the abbot be a visible example of everything good and holy by his deeds rather than by his words: this is so that, while he may declare the commandments of the Lord in words and his cleverer students will understand them, the abbot may yet make God's precepts clearly manifest by his own actions to the hard-hearted and ruder students. Let the abbot first teach his students everything which is contrary to these commandments in words, and then by the example of their actions let the abbot show what is not to be done...
"...lest in preaching to others they themselves be found false..."(-1 Corinthians 9.27)
...lest one day to the abbot, like...
"[...t]o the sinner saieth God: 'For what reason dost thou proclaim My justice and take up My testimony to thy lips?But thou hast hated obedience and thrown My words behind thee."(-Psalm 49[50].16-17)
And also,
"[t]hou kept seeing the blade of grass in thy brother's eye, but in thine the tree-trunk thou didst not see."(-Matthew 7.3)
January 12th - May 13th - September 12th
Let no one in the monastery be distinguishable from another in the eyes of the abbot. Let not one be more loved than another unless the abbot hath found someone better in good deeds or obedience. Let not one of noble birth be advanced in place of one who was formerly a slave unless there be some other good reason for it; but if such a circumstance be seemly to the abbot's overarching justice, then the abbot shall do so in regards to whosoever's promotion, but otherwise, let each keep their proper rank, for...
"Whether slave or free, we are all one in Christ."(-1 Corinthians 12.13; Galatians 3.28)
...and under the one Lord we bear an equal tour of soldier's service, for...
"In God's presence none hold esteem."(-Romans 2.11)
There is only one way in which we are set apart from others in His presence, and that is if we are better than others in good works and found to be humble. And so, let there be equal charity bestowed on all by the abbot, and let the same training be applied to all according to their deserts.
January 13th - May 14th - September 13th
In his instruction the abbot ought to keep to the Apostle's formula in which he saieth:
"Find fault, entreat, rebuke."(-2 Timothy 4.2)
That is, by mingling charming words at one time with fear at other times, let the abbot show both the harsh demeanor of a teacher and the devoted affection of a father. In other words, the abbot ought to more harshly find fault with his undisciplined and restless students; to entreat his obedient, pliable, and patient students so he may advance for the better; and we charge the abbot to rebuke and correct his negligent and disdainful students. Let the abbot not turn a blind eye to the sins of offenders, but, as soon as faults begin to arise, let the abbot prevail to cut out these faults at the root, being mindful of the ruin of Eli, priest of Shiloh. While the abbot ought to chide the more honest and clever minds with a first and second verbal warning, yet let him curtail the dishonest, the harsh, the haughty, and the disobedient with lashings and bodily penalties at the very first appearance of their sin, keeping in mind what hath been writ:
"The stupid are not corrected by words."(-Proverbs 18.2; 29.19)
And again:
"Strike thy son with the rod and thou shalt free his soul from death."(-Proverbs 23.13-14)
January 14th - May 15th - September 14th
Always ought the abbot to keep in mind what he is and what he is called, and to know that to whom more is entrusted, more is required. Let the abbot know how difficult and rough a task he is undertaking, that is, ruling souls and serving many persons' accommodations; for some the abbot may offer charming words, while others receive rebukes, and still others coaxing according to the character or understanding of each and every one. In this way, let the abbot conform and fit his very person to everyone so that not only shall he not allow any damage to be incurred upon the flock in his care, but even to rejoice in the growth of a good flock.
January 15th - May 16th - September 15th
Above all, lest in turning a blind eye or undervaluing the well-being of the souls of those entrusted to their care, let the abbot not foster a care of fleeting, earthly, and decaying goods, but always let him think that he hath undertaken the guiding of souls, a task about which he is to make a final reckoning. And let the abbot not plead his case in said reckoning that he is of meager means, but let him keep in mind that it hath been writ:
"First seek ye the Kingdom of God and His justice and all these shall be set beside ye."(-Psalm 33[34].10)
And again:
"Nothing is lacking those who fear Him."(-Psalm 33[34].9)
Let the abbot know that the ones who undertake the guiding of souls should prepare themselves for the rendering of the final reckoning. For however great the number of brothers the abbot has under his care, let the abbot know for certain that this is the reckoning of souls he will render to the Lord on Judgment Day -- and, of course, his own soul as well.
So in conclusion, by always fearing his own examination to come, (Ezekial 34) the shepherd is wary of everyone else's reckonings and concerned about his own, and when the abbot offers correction with his warnings, he is keeping his own soul cleansed of faults.
January 16th - May 17th - September 16th
Chapter 3: On Summoning The Brethren To Council
Whenever some particular business is taking place in the monastery, let the abbot summon the whole congregation and let him tell what is being done. Upon hearing the advice of the brothers, let the abbot draw upon himself and then do what he hath judged the more advantageous. And for this reason we said all are to be summoned to the council, because often the Lord pulleth back the veil for a younger brother as to what be the better decision. Thus, let the brothers give their advice with every observance of humility and not presume to insolently defend what be seemly to them; so let the decision lay more heavily in the abbot's favor as to what he hath judged more wise, and let the rest obey him. But just as it is fitting for the students to obey the master, thus it is also proper for the master to prudently and justly dispense all things.
January 17th - May 18th - September 17th
And so, in every way shall all follow The Rule as a guide, and let none deviate from it rashly. Let none in the monastery follow the whim of their own heart, nor let any presume to impudently struggle against the abbot, even outside of the monastery. But if one should presume to do so, let them be subjected to the discipline of The Rule. Nevertheless, let the abbot do all with the fear of God and under the observation of The Rule, keeping in mind that it is scarcely to be doubted that he will render the reckoning of all his own decisions to God, that most fair judge. But if any lesser business is to the conducted for the advantage of the monastery, let him only take the advice of the senior brothers, just as it hath been written:
Chapter 4: What Are The Tools Of Good Works
First before all, to cherish the Lord God with thine entire heart, thine entire soul, thine entire virtue.
Then to love thy neighbor as thyself.
Then not to kill.
To not commit adultery.
To not steal.
To not covet.
To not bear false witness.
To honor all people.
Let none do to another what any doth not desire to be done to them.
To deny oneself so that one may follow Christ.
To rebuke the body.
Pleasures are not to be embraced.
To love fasting.
To heal the poor.
To clothe the naked.
To visit the ill.
To bury the dead.
To come to aid in times of trouble.
To console those in sorrow.
To make oneself a stranger to the outside world.
To put nothing before the love of Christ.
To not act in anger.
To not nurse a grudge.
To not hold deceit in one's heart.
To not give false peace.
To not forsake charity.
To not swear lest one mayhaps perjure oneself.
To utter truth from thy heart and mouth.
To not return ill for ill.
To no wrong-doing, but patiently suffer wrongs.
To cherish one's enemies.
To not curse those who would curse us, but instead offer them blessings.
To withstand persecution on behalf of justice.
To not be haughty.
To not become addicted to wine.
To not eat excessively.
To not sleep excessively.
To not be lazy.
To not grumble.
To not be a disparager.
To entrust one's hope to God.
When one sees something good in oneself, let one attribute it to God, not to oneself.
But ever let one know that an ill deed is done by oneself, and let one think on it as thine own.
To fear Judgment Day.
To daily fulfill the commands of God in deed.
Chapter 5: On Obedience
The first step of humility is obedience without delay. This is fitting for those who value no other thing dearer to them than Christ. Let these on account of holy service which they have proclaimed, because of the dread of Hell, and even for the glory of life everlasting not think in enduring delay in doing what they have been commanded as soon as it has been commanded by a greater, just as if commanded by God. For in regard to these, the Lord saieth:
This very obedience will be acceptable to God and a pleasant thing for humankind if what is bid be carried out to completion without hesitation, without slowness, without fear, or without grumbling, or even unwilling backtalk. For the obedience shown to greaters is also shown to God, for He Himself hath said:
Chapter 6: On Keeping Silent
Let us do what the Prophet saieth:
Chapter 7: On Humility
Holy Scripture cries out to us, brothers, and it saieth:
And so, the first step of humility is to put the fear of God ever before one's own eyes; let one entirely flee forgetfulness and ever be mindful of all which God hath commanded; let one ever keep in mind how Hell doth burn those who condemn God for their sins and how life everlasting is readied for those who fear God. Keeping themselves on guard at every hour against sin and vice, be it of thought, of tongue, of eyes, of hands, of feet, or of one's own will, and even let one hasten to cut off the desires of the flesh.
Let everyone deem it worthwhile to know that their very person is observed by God from Heaven and their deeds are seen by God's eye, and they are reported to God at all times by the Angels. The Prophet points this out to us when he showeth that God is ever present in our thoughts, saying:
We are prohibited from doing our own will, for Scripture saieth to us:
And so, it is for this reason that we must beware wicked desires, for death sitteth at the entrance of pleasure, whence commandeth Scripture, saying:
The second step of humility is for one to not love their own will and to be not delighted to fulfill one's own desires. Instead, let him follow that voice of the Lord saying:
The third step of humility is that one submit themselves with all obedience to a Superior on behalf of their love for God; in so doing, they are like unto the Lord about Whom saieth the Apostle:
The fourth step of humility is if one doth embrace suffering with a quiet conscience while in the midst of their obedience, and they become embroiled in difficult and adverse events and endure whatever injury one can imagine, let them then not become burnt out under such weight -- let them quit not, for Scripture saieth:
The fifth step of humility is if, through humble confession, one not hide from their Abbot all the wicked thoughts coming into their heart or the evil committed by them in secret. Urging us to this practice, Scripture saieth:
The sixth step of humility is if with every cheapness or extremity a monk be content, and in regards to everything which is placed under his charge he judges himself as if he were a bad worker and unworthy, for saieth he to himself echoing the Prophet:
The seventh step of humility is if one proclaim that they are lesser and more base than all others not only in words, but also let them believe this in the deepest recesses of their heart. Let them remain humble and say with the Prophet:
The eighth step of humility is if the monk do nothing apart from what the common Rule of the monastery or what an elder's example adviseth him.
"Do all things with counsel and upon doing so thou shalt not be sorry."
(-Ecclesiastes 32.24)
January 18th - May 19th - September 18th
First before all, to cherish the Lord God with thine entire heart, thine entire soul, thine entire virtue.
Then to love thy neighbor as thyself.
Then not to kill.
To not commit adultery.
To not steal.
To not covet.
To not bear false witness.
To honor all people.
Let none do to another what any doth not desire to be done to them.
To deny oneself so that one may follow Christ.
To rebuke the body.
Pleasures are not to be embraced.
To love fasting.
To heal the poor.
To clothe the naked.
To visit the ill.
To bury the dead.
To come to aid in times of trouble.
To console those in sorrow.
To make oneself a stranger to the outside world.
To put nothing before the love of Christ.
January 19th - May 20th - September 19th
To not act in anger.
To not nurse a grudge.
To not hold deceit in one's heart.
To not give false peace.
To not forsake charity.
To not swear lest one mayhaps perjure oneself.
To utter truth from thy heart and mouth.
To not return ill for ill.
To no wrong-doing, but patiently suffer wrongs.
To cherish one's enemies.
To not curse those who would curse us, but instead offer them blessings.
To withstand persecution on behalf of justice.
To not be haughty.
To not become addicted to wine.
To not eat excessively.
To not sleep excessively.
To not be lazy.
To not grumble.
To not be a disparager.
To entrust one's hope to God.
When one sees something good in oneself, let one attribute it to God, not to oneself.
But ever let one know that an ill deed is done by oneself, and let one think on it as thine own.
January 20th - May 21st - September 20th
To dread Hell.
To desire eternal life with all one's spiritual longing.
To hold Death daily before one's eyes.
To guard the deeds of one's life at every hour.
To know for certain that God seeth one in every place.
To crush wicked thoughts approaching one's heart upon Christ and to confess them to an elder spiritual leader.
To guard one's mouth from evil or depraved speech.
To not love to speak much.
To speak not empty words or words designed to elicit a laugh.
To not love to laugh much or excessively.
To willingly listen to holy reading.
To rely often on prayer.
To confess daily to God one's own past evils with tears and groaning.
To emend one's sins for the future.
To not engage in desires of the flesh.
To hate one's own will.
To obey the abbot's commands in all ways, even if the man should act otherwise (though this be not allowed) -- keep in mind the Lord's precept: do what they say, but do not do what they do (Matthew 23.3).
To not wish to be said to be holy before one is such -- instead, may one be so before being said to be so.
January 21st - May 22nd - September 21st
To love chastity.
To hate no one.
To not be jealous.
To not engage in envy.
To not love conflict.
To flee pride.
To venerate elders.
To cherish the youth.
To pray for one's enemies in love of Christ.
To return to peace with one's adversary before the sunset.
To never despair of God's mercy.
Lo! These are the tools of good works. When these tools will have been fulfilled unceasingly by us day or night, and on Judgment Day returned, then will we be paid with that which He Himself hath promised:
"What eye hath not seen nor ear harkened is what God hath readied for those who cherish Him."
(-1 Corinthians 2.9)
But the workshop where all these tools shall be carefully put to the test in toil is the cloister of the monastery and the steadfastness of the community.
January 22nd - May 23rd - September 22nd
The first step of humility is obedience without delay. This is fitting for those who value no other thing dearer to them than Christ. Let these on account of holy service which they have proclaimed, because of the dread of Hell, and even for the glory of life everlasting not think in enduring delay in doing what they have been commanded as soon as it has been commanded by a greater, just as if commanded by God. For in regard to these, the Lord saieth:
"The ear hath obeyed Me by listening."(-Psalm 17[18].45)
And likewise He saieth to teachers:
"The one who harkens unto ye also harkens unto Me.
(-Luke 10.16)
Those such as these immediately abandon what is theirs and leave behind their own will, and then they drop the work from their hands and they leave incomplete whatever they were doing and with the attendant step of obedience follow the voice of the one ordering them -- just as if at that single moment the teacher's command has been given and the student's work has been completed, in the haste of one having the fear of God are both tasks quite quickly carried out together by those whom love compels to attain life everlasting. For this reason, these take up the narrow path, about which the Lord saieth:
"Narrow is the path which leadeth to life."(-Matthew 7.14)
So that they not live according to their own judgment and desires and obedient to their own pleasures, but by walking under someone else's judgment and power, they live in monastic communities and desire to have an abbot lead them. There is no doubt these are following that saying of the Lord in which He saieth:
"I have not come to do Mine own will, but the will of Him who hath sent Me.
(-John 6.38)
January 23rd - May 24th - September 23rd
"The one who harkens unto ye also harkens unto Me."
(-Luke 10.16)
And it behooveth obedience to be shown by a student with a cheerful disposition, for...
"...[A] cheerful giver doth God cherish."(-2 Corinthians 9.7)
For if a student obey with a sour disposition and they grumble not only in mouth but likewise in their heart, even if they fulfill the command, it will all the same be unacceptable to God who seeth them grumbling in their heart. No thanks do they gain for such a deed, but nay, they have incurred the punishment for grumblers if they not emend their transgression satisfactorily.
January 24th - May 25th - September 24th
Let us do what the Prophet saieth:
"I have said: 'I shall guard my ways so that I shall not sin with my tongue. I have set a guard over my mouth.' I have kept quiet and have been humbled, and have quietly refrained from even good things."(-Psalm 38[39].2-3)
Here showeth the Prophet that if on account of our keeping silence we then ought to quietly refrain from good speech, so much the more ought the abstinence from evil speech compel us due to the punishment associated with such sinning. Therefore, due to the seriousness of keeping silent, rare should be license to speak about good things, to speak even about holy rites and to engage in flowery talk designed to educate be granted to even excellent students, for it hath been written:
"Thou shalt not escape sin with a much-practiced tongue."(-Proverbs 10.19)
And elsewhere hath it been written:
"Death and life are in the hands of the tongue."(-Proverbs 18.21)
For it is proper for the teacher to speak and teach, and it is fitting that the student be silent and harken. It is for this reason that if anything must be asked of a superior, let it be asked with all humility and the submission born from reverence. But buffoonery or idle words which move to laughter we condemn with an everlasting ban in every place and we do not permit one to open their mouth for such speech.
January 25th - May 26th - September 25th
Holy Scripture cries out to us, brothers, and it saieth:
"Everyone who exalts oneself will be humbled and the one who humbles oneself shall be exalted."(-Luke 14.11)
When Scripture saieth this, it is showing to us that every kind of exaltation is a species of pride, against which the Prophet saieth He is on guard -- quoth He:
"Lord, not hath my heart been lifted up nor have mine eyes been turned upwards, nor have I walked amongst great happenings nor in miracles above me."(-Psalm 130[131].1)
And also:
"If I did not feel humbly, if I have exalted my soul, then I was acting just as a babe weaned on my mother's breast, so thus shall Thou treat my soul."(-Psalm 130[131].2)
Whence, brethren, if we wish to touch the top of humility's height and to quickly arrive at that heavenly exaltation to which an ascent is made through this present life, we climbers must by our deeds set up that ladder which appeared in Jacob's dream, in which were shown to him angels going up and down. Without a doubt is that "going up and down" understood in no other way than this: we go down by being lifted up in exaltation and we go up by being brought low in humility. But this very ladder which has been set up is our life in this world which may be set up straight to Heaven by the Lord if our heart be humbled. For the sides of the ladder we say to be our body and soul, into which God's call hath sown the different steps of humility or discipline which must be used to climb up:
January 26th - May 27th - September 26th
January 27th - May 28th - September 27th
"God searcheth the hearts and reins."(-Psalm 7.10)
And likewise:
"The Lord knoweth humankind's thoughts and that they are vain."(-Psalm 93[94].11)
And likewise again he saieth:
"Thou hath understood my thoughts by far."
And even here:
"For the thought of humankind shall confess to Thee."
So that the humble brother be careful about perverse thoughts, let him ever say in his heart:
"I shall be stainless before Him if I will have guarded myself against mine own iniquity."
January 28th - May 29th - September 28th
"Thou ought to also turn aside thine from thine own desires."
And also:
"We ask God in prayer that His will be done in us."
And so, we are rightly taught to not do our own will, when we are on guard against that which Holy Scripture saieth:
"There are paths which seem right to humankind, some of which even plunge all the way into the depths of Hell."
When we are on guard against that which is said about the neglectful:
"They have been corrupted and were made abominable in their own pleasures."
But in regards to desires of the flesh, let us believe that God is ever present when saieth the Prophet to the Lord:
"Lord, before Thee is my every desire."
January 29th - May 30th - September 29th
"Go not after thine own base desires."
Therefore, if the eyes of the Lord are observing the good and the wicked, and the Lord ever looks down from Heaven at the children of humankind, such that He seeth if humankind is understanding or seeking God; and if our works are being reported day and night by the Angels who have been put in charge of us to the Lord, our maker and God, the Creator of all things, then we must beware at every hour, brethren, just as the Prophet saieth in the Psalm:
"May God not at some hour observe us falling into wickedness or see us become worthless."
By sparing us at this moment (for He is devoted to us and awaits us to ever turn towards the better), let Him not say to us in the time to come:
"You did these things and I was quiet."
January 30th - May 31st - September 30th
"I have not come to do Mine own will, but the will of Him who hath sent Me."
Likewise saieth Scripture:
"Will has a punishment and necessity procures a crown."
January 31st - June 1st - October 1st
"He was made obedient even up to death."
February 1st - June 2nd - October 2nd
"The one who endureth up to the end shall be the one saved."
And likewise:
"Let thy heart be made strong and withstand, thou, the Lord."
In showing their faith that one ought to withstand everything -- even adversity -- for the Lord, the very character of the suffering one saieth:
"On account of Thee are we afflicted by death each day -- we are counted as sheep for culling."
Confidently secure in the hope of divine reward do they joyfully follow after and say:
"But in all these events we overcome because of Him who hath cherished us."
And again here in another place doth Scripture say:
"Thou hast tested us, God; with fire hast Thou made a trial of us just as with fire is silver put to the test. Thou hast led us into the snare; Thou hast put tribulations on our back."
And, in order to demonstrate that we ought to be under a superior, Scripture goes on to say:
"Thou hast placed people above our heads."
And these fulfill the commandment of the Lord amidst adversity and injuries through their suffering: when being struck upon the cheek, they offer another; when someone steals their tunic, they give their cloak to the thief as well; when ordered to go one mile, they go two; with Paul the Apostle they withstand "lying brothers" and "they withstand persecution" and "bless those who curse them."
February 2nd - June 3rd - October 3rd
"Reveal, thou, to the Lord thy way and hope, thou, in Him."
And likewise Scripture saieth:
"Confess, ye, to the Lord since He is good, since forever-lasting be His mercy."
And here again saieth the Prophet:
"Mine offense I made known to Thee and my wrongs I did not conceal. I hath said: 'I pronounce against myself my wrongs to the Lord,' and 'Thou hast forgiven the impiety of my heart.'"
February 3rd - June 4th - October 4th
"To nothing have I been reduced and I have known naught; as a beast of burden have I become before Thee and ever have I been with Thee."
February 4th - June 5th - October 5th
"For I am a worm, and not a human -- I am the disgrace of humankind and the outcast of the people. I have been lifted up, brought low, and confounded."
And likewise:
"It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me -- I shall learn Thy commandments."
February 5th - June 6th - October 6th
February 6th - June 7th - October 7th
The ninth step of humility is if a monk keepeth his tongue from speaking and adopt he silence, that he not speak unless he be questioned. For Scripture saieth that,
"...sin is not escaped in speaking much,"
and,
"a chatty man is not set aright upon the earth."
February 7th - June 8th - October 8th
"The fool raises up his own voice in laughter."
February 8th - June 9th - October 9th
"The wise are made known by few words."
The twelfth step of humility is if a monk, not only in heart, but even in his entire body ever manifest humility to those who see him; that is, whether at the Work of God, or in the chapel, or in the monastery, or in the garden, or in the street, or in the field, or even when he's sitting, walking, or standing, let him keep his head downturned and his eyes fixed down on the ground. Let him value himself as guilty of his sins at every hour and think himself already standing before the dread Judgment, ever saying to himself in his heart what the tax collector in the Gospels said when he fixed his eyes upon the ground:
February 9th - June 10th - October 10th
"Lord, I, a sinner, am not worthy to life up mine eyes to the heavens."
And likewise saieth the Prophet:
"I am bowed low and humbled everywhere."
And so, after climbing all these steps of humility, a monk will soon arrive to that perfect love of God which casts fear out-of-doors, and through which he will naturally and habitually begin to keep all the commandments which could not formerly keep without fear or any toil -- now it is not the dread of Hell, but out of a love of Christ, and the habitual application of goodness, and the delight of virtue. All these the Lord will deem worthy via the Holy Spirit to make plain in His worker who hath been cleansed of vice and sin.
Chapter 8: On Divine Office During the Night
In wintertime, that is, from the Kalends/1st of November until the Paschal Feast/Easter, the time for rising shall be at the eighth hour of the night (once the proper calculations have been made), so that each may rest a little more than half the night and rise already rested. But let the time which remains after Vigils be used for study by brethren who are lacking somewhat at their Psalter or readings.
February 10th - June 11th - October 11th
In wintertime, that is, from the Kalends/1st of November until the Paschal Feast/Easter, the time for rising shall be at the eighth hour of the night (once the proper calculations have been made), so that each may rest a little more than half the night and rise already rested. But let the time which remains after Vigils be used for study by brethren who are lacking somewhat at their Psalter or readings.
But from Easter to the aforesaid 1st of the November, let the hour be adjusted such that Matins, which must be carried out at sunrise, follow the conclusion of Vigils with a very short break occurring between the two by which the brethren may depart for the necessities of nature.
Chapter 9: How Many Psalms Are To Be Said At Night
In the aforesaid wintertime, the following verse is to be thrice spoken at the outset:
Chapter 10: How The Nightly Office Is To Be Conducted During Summertime
From the Paschal Feast/Easter until the Kalends/1st of November, let the entire number of psalms laid out above be kept with the exception of the readings from the book due to the shortness of the summer nights; instead of these three readings, let a single reading from the Old Testament be recited from heart, with a brief responsory following. Let all the rest be carried out as detailed above, such that never shall fewer than twelve Psalms be said at Vigils, with the exception of Psalm 3 and Psalm 94.
Chapter 11: How Vigils Should Be Conducted On Sundays
On Sunday, let all rise earlier for Vigils. Let the outline for Vigils as we detailed above with the singing of six Psalms and a single verse. With everyone arranged in their seats and benches by rank, let be read four readings with their responses from the book, as we have said above; upon just the reading of the fourth response should The Gloria be said by the singer, and all should rise out of reverence when he begins to recite it. After these readings should another six psalms with antiphons follow in order, just as before, and a single verse. After these then again should four readings be recited with their responses, as in the outline stated above. After these let three canticles of the Prophets be recited; these the Abbot will appoint, and are to be sung with The Hallelujah. Once the verse is recited and the Abbot has given his blessing, let another four readings be recited from The New Testament, as in the outline stated above. But after the fourth response, let the Abbot begin the hymn, Te Deum Laudamus. Once this has been said, let the Abbot recite aloud the reading from The Gospels as everyone stands out of honor and fear. Once this has been recited, let all answer with "Amen" and let then the Abbot follow up with Te Decet Laus. After the blessing hath been given, Matins may begin.
Chapter 12: How Matins Should Be Conducted
In Matins on Sunday (The Lord's Day) let be recited Psalm 66 without an antiphon, straight through to the end. After this let Psalm 50 be recited with The Hallelujah. After this let Psalm 117 and Psalm 62 be recited. Thence, let be said The Canticle of Blessings and The Psalms of Praises, a reading from The Book of Revelation with a response recited by heart, The Ambrosian Hymns, the verse, the song from The Gospels, The Litany, and so the end.
Chapter 13: How Matins Should Be Conducted On Weekdays
On weekdays let Matins be conducted as follows, such that Psalm 66 is said without an antiphon and at a moderate pace just like on Sundays (The Lord's Day), such that all should arrive by the reciting of Psalm 50, which is said with an antiphon. After this, let two other psalms be said according to the following outline:
February 11th - June 12th - October 12th
In the aforesaid wintertime, the following verse is to be thrice spoken at the outset:
"Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim Thy praise."
Then following is Psalm 3 to be said; afterwards, Psalm 94 is to be recited either with an antiphon or, at least, on its own. Thence let follow the Ambrosian Hymn, then six psalms with antiphons. Once these have been said and the verse spoken, let the Abbot give a blessing and, with everyone seated at benches, let three readings be read aloud in turn by the brethren from the book upon a lectern; in between these let three responses be chanted, one after each reading. Let two responses be said without the Gloria; but after the third reading, let the one who read aloud say the Gloria. While the reciter saieth the Gloria, let all rise from their seats from respect and reverence to the Holy Trinity.
But let the Books read during Vigils be of Divine Authorship, as many from the Old Testament as the New, but also with commentaries accompanying them which have been made by noteworthy and orthodox Catholic Fathers. But after these three readings with their own responses each, then let follow six Psalms with the Hallelujah to be sung. After these, let follow a recitation from the Apostle recited by heart, and the verse, and the petition of the litany, that is, the Kyrie Eleison.
Let thus be ended the Nightly Office.
February 12th - June 13th - October 13th
From the Paschal Feast/Easter until the Kalends/1st of November, let the entire number of psalms laid out above be kept with the exception of the readings from the book due to the shortness of the summer nights; instead of these three readings, let a single reading from the Old Testament be recited from heart, with a brief responsory following. Let all the rest be carried out as detailed above, such that never shall fewer than twelve Psalms be said at Vigils, with the exception of Psalm 3 and Psalm 94.
February 13th - June 14th - October 14th
On Sunday, let all rise earlier for Vigils. Let the outline for Vigils as we detailed above with the singing of six Psalms and a single verse. With everyone arranged in their seats and benches by rank, let be read four readings with their responses from the book, as we have said above; upon just the reading of the fourth response should The Gloria be said by the singer, and all should rise out of reverence when he begins to recite it. After these readings should another six psalms with antiphons follow in order, just as before, and a single verse. After these then again should four readings be recited with their responses, as in the outline stated above. After these let three canticles of the Prophets be recited; these the Abbot will appoint, and are to be sung with The Hallelujah. Once the verse is recited and the Abbot has given his blessing, let another four readings be recited from The New Testament, as in the outline stated above. But after the fourth response, let the Abbot begin the hymn, Te Deum Laudamus. Once this has been said, let the Abbot recite aloud the reading from The Gospels as everyone stands out of honor and fear. Once this has been recited, let all answer with "Amen" and let then the Abbot follow up with Te Decet Laus. After the blessing hath been given, Matins may begin.
Let this order of Vigils on Sunday (The Lord's Day) be kept in every season, equally in summer and in winter; unless, peradventure -- Heaven forbid -- everyone be late in rising, then the readings and the responses must be shortened. Nevertheless, let everyone take every means to ensure that this does not happen; but if it should happen, then let the one through whose neglect this hath occurred righteously render satisfaction to God in the chapel.
February 14th - June 15th - October 15th
In Matins on Sunday (The Lord's Day) let be recited Psalm 66 without an antiphon, straight through to the end. After this let Psalm 50 be recited with The Hallelujah. After this let Psalm 117 and Psalm 62 be recited. Thence, let be said The Canticle of Blessings and The Psalms of Praises, a reading from The Book of Revelation with a response recited by heart, The Ambrosian Hymns, the verse, the song from The Gospels, The Litany, and so the end.
February 15th - June 16th - October 16th
On weekdays let Matins be conducted as follows, such that Psalm 66 is said without an antiphon and at a moderate pace just like on Sundays (The Lord's Day), such that all should arrive by the reciting of Psalm 50, which is said with an antiphon. After this, let two other psalms be said according to the following outline:
- Second Weekday (Monday) - Psalm 5 and Psalm 35
- Third Weekday (Tuesday) - Psalm 42 and Psalm 56
- Fourth Weekday (Wednesday) - Psalm 63 and Psalm 64
- Fifth Weekday (Thursday) - Psalm 87 and Psalm 89
- Sixth Weekday (Friday) - Psalm 75 and Psalm 91
But on the Sabbath (Saturday), let be said Psalm 142 and The Song of Moses from Deuteronomy, which is to be divided into two parts by a recitation of The Gloria. For on the other days let be said each song from the Prophets on their own day, just as the Roman Church chants. After these, let The Psalms of Praises follow, then a single reading from The Apostle said by heart, then the responsory, The Ambrosian Hymns, the verse, the song from The Gospels, The Litany, and so the end.
Chapter 14: How the Night Office Is To Be Conducted On Saints' Feast Days
Chapter 15: At What Times Should The Hallelujah Be Said
February 16th - June 17th - October 17th
It is clear that Matins and Vespers are not to pass unless The Lord's Prayer be recited by the prior in its proper place at the end and within everyone's hearing; this is to be done due to the thorns of scandals which are wont to rise, and so the congregation may cleanse itself of such a fault as this by reciting the very prayer in which they say, "Forgive us just as we forgive". But at the other offices let the final part of the prayer be said such that, "But deliver us from evil," be recited by everyone.
February 17th - June 18th - October 18th
On saints' feast days and on all solemnities let the office be conducted as we have said for Sunday (The Lord's Day), except let the psalms, the antiphons, the readings pertaining to their particular days be said; let the way in which these are recited be kept as laid out above.
February 18th - June 19th - October 19th
From The Paschal Feast/Easter up until Pentecost let The Hallelujah be said without interruption, both in the Psalms as well as in the responses. From Pentecost up until the beginning of The Forty/Lent, let it be said each night with the last six psalms, but only at Nocturnes/Night Office. But on every Lord's Day/Sunday outside The Forty/Lent, canticles, Matins/Morning Office, Prime, Terce, Sext, and None, let it be said along with The Hallelujah, but with antiphons at Vespers.
However: never let the responses be said with The Hallelujah, unless it be the season from The Paschal Feast/Easter through Pentecost.
February 19th - June 20th - October 20th
Thus saieth the Prophet:
"Seventimes-a-day have I spok'n praise unto Thee."
This sacred "seventimes" shall be thus fulfilled by us if at the following times: Matins, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline we conduct the duties of the Offices of our service, for at these Daytime Hours/Office hath the Prophet said:
"Seventimes-a-day have I spok'n praise unto Thee."
Now, concerning the Night Office hath The Prophet likewise declared:
"At midnight I was wont to rise to give praise to Thee."
And so at this time let us render praise to our Creator for the judgments of His Justice, namely Matins, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers and Compline; further, let us rise at night to give praise to Him.
February 20th - June 21st - October 21st
Chapter 17: How Many Psalms Are To Be Said Through These Same Hours
We have already discussed the order of the psalms during The Night Office and Matins; now let us look at the following Hours.
At Prime let be said three psalms separately and not under one Gloria; the hymn of that same Hour follow the verse: "O God, come to my assistance," before the psalms are begun. But after the completion of three psalms let be recited a single reading, a verse, The Kyrie Eleison, and the prayers before dismissal.
But at Terce, Sext, and None, let the worship be celebrated in the following order, that is, with a verse, hymns according to their proper Hours, three psalms, a reading, and a verse, The Kyrie Eleison, and the prayers before dismissal.
If the gathering be larger, let the psalms be sung with antiphons; if smaller, let them be sung straightaway.
Let Vespers, however, be ended with four psalms with antiphons. After these psalms are sung, a reading is to be recited, thence the responsory, the Ambrosian Hymn, a verse, the Canticle From The Gospels, the litany, The Lord's Prayer, and the prayers before dismissal.
Let Compline, however, be ended with the saying of three psalms, which are to be said straightaway without antiphons. After these is the hymn of that same Hour to be sung, followed by one reading, a verse, The Kyrie Eleison, the bless, and the prayers before dismissal.
February 21st - June 22nd - October 22nd
Chapter 18: In What Order Are These Same Psalms To Be Said
At the outset, let be said in verse:
"God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me,"
Then The Gloria, then the hymn for that Hour.
Then, at Prime on The Lord's Day (Sunday), let be said four headings of Psalm 118. But as for the remaining Hours, that is, Terce, Sext, and None, let be said three sections of the same Psalm 118.
At Prime on the Second Weekday (Monday) be said three psalms, that is, Psalm 1, Psalm 2, and Psalm 6. And thus through each day at Prime, all the way up to The Lord's Day (Sunday), let be said three psalms in order up to Psalm 19, but let Psalm 9 and Psalm 17 be divided into two parts. And so thus may ever Vigils on The Lord's Day (Sunday) begin with Psalm 20.
February 22nd - June 23rd - October 23rd
But at Terce, Sext, and None on the Second Weekday (Monday) let be said the nine headings of Psalm 118 which remain, three at each of these hours. Therefore, since Psalm 118 has been divided between two days, that is, The Lord's Day and the Second Weekday (Sunday & Monday), then let three psalms from Psalm 119 to Psalm 127, so nine psalms, be sung on the Third Weekday (Tuesday) at Terce, Sext, and None respectively. And ever let these same psalms be said again on The Lord's Day (Sunday) at the same Hours, keeping the same arrangement of hymns, readings, and verses for the remaining days. So then, obviously, shall The Lord's Day (Sunday) begin with Psalm 118.
February 23rd - June 24th - October 24th
Let Vespers be daily sung with four psalms; let these psalms begin with Psalm 119 up to Psalm 147, excepting those which are set apart for other Hours, that is, Psalm 127, Psalm 133, and Psalm 142; all the remaining psalms are to be said at Vespers. And because this comes to three psalms too few, therefore the longer ones of those named above, that is, Psalm 138, Psalm 143, and Psalm 144, are to be split up; but let Psalm 116, because it is short, be joined with Psalm 115. And so, with the arrangement of psalms during Vespers settled, let the rest, that is, the reading, the responsory, the hymn, the verse, and song be conducted just as we have outlined above. But daily at Compline let the same psalms, that is, Psalm 4, Psalm 90, and Psalm 133 be sung.
February 24th - Leap Year; otherwise, add the following to the preceding;
June 25th - October 25th
The arrangement of the psalmody of the Day Hours settled, let then be equally split up all the remaining psalms among the seven nightly Vigils, by dividing the longer psalms between them and assigning twelve for each night. Let this be especially noted: if perhaps this arrangement of the psalms is displeasing, then let it be rearranged if someone hath judged it better in a different fashion, provided that every care is taken that the Psalter, the entire number of one hundred-fifty psalms, is sung every week and always begins at Vigil on The Lord's Day (Sunday). This is because monks who sing less than the Psalter with the usual songs throughout the course of a week show too much laziness in the service of their devotion, for we read that our holy fathers strenuously fulfilled this task within a single day -- if only we lukewarm faithful may perform it once within a whole week!
February 24th (25th) - June 26th - October 26th
Chapter 19: On The Method Of Psalm-Singing
We believe the Divine Presence is everywhere and that,
"the eyes of the Lord gaze on the good and wicked in every place."
And yet let us believe this without any doubt whatsoever, when we assist in Divine Work. For this reason, ever let us be mindful what The Prophet saieth:
"Serve, ye, the Lord in fear,"
and again:
"Sing, ye, the psalms wisely,"
and even:
"In the sight of the angels I shall sing psalms unto Thee."
And so, let us take note how we ought to be in the sight of the Divinity and His angels, and thus let us stand for the singing of psalms, so that our mind may be in harmony with our voice.
February 25th (26th) - June 27th - October 27th
Chapter 20: On Reverence In Prayer
When we wish to suggest something to powerful persons, we do not take up the attempt to do so unless we act with humility and reverence -- how much the more must be honored the Lord God of the universe with all humility and devotion of purity. And not in number of words, but in purity of heart and compunction of tears may we know that we are heard. And so, brief and pure ought to be our prayers, unless they mayhaps be lengthened by the influence of divine inspiration. But yet, when gathered as a community, let prayer be kept short, and let all rise as one when the signal hath been given by a superior.
February 26th (27th) - June 28th - October 28th
Chapter 21: On The Deans Of The Monastery
When
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