Becoming a Community of Disciples

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Becoming a Community of Disciples

by nature, let us ask God to supply by the help of his grace. 42 And if we wish to reach eternal life, escaping the pains of hell, then— 43 while there is yet time, while we are still in the flesh and are able to fulfill all these things by this light of life given to us— 44 we must run and perform now what will profit us for all eternity. 45 We have therefore, to establish a school of the Lord’s service. 46 In instituting it we hope to establish nothing harsh or oppressive. 47 But if anything is somewhat strictly laid down, according to the dictates of equity and for the amendment of vices or for the preservation of love; 48 do not therefore flee in dismay from the way of salvation, which cannot be other than narrow at the beginning (cf. Matt 7:14). 49 Truly as we advance in this way of life and faith, our hearts open wide, and we run with unspeakable sweetness of love on the path of God’s commandments (Ps 119:32). 50 So that, never departing from his guidance, but persevering in his teaching (Acts 2:42) in the monastery until death, (Phil 2:8) we may by patience participate in the passion of Christ; that we may deserve also to be partakers of his kingdom. Amen (cf. 1 Pet 4:13; Rom 8:17). On Restraint in Speaking (RBen §6) 1 Let us do as the prophet says: I said, I will keep custody over my ways so I do not sin with my tongue: I have kept custody over my mouth. I became speechless, and was humbled, and kept silent concerning good things (Ps 39:1–3). 2 Here the prophet shows that if we ought to refrain even from good words for the sake of restraining speech, how much more ought we to abstain from evil words, on account of the punishment due to sin! 3 Therefore, on account of