Readings of the day: RB 4:22-43
Mass: 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Psalm 101; Luke 7:11-17
Saint Benedict presents us with 22 more tools for good works. One might see some similarities between Saint Paul’s First Letter to Timothy, and Benedict’s tools for today, for example, to not be addicted to drink, to be temperate, gentle, and not deceitful. Which tool will you use to help guide your search for God?
22Don’t let your actions be governed by anger.
23Nor nurse your anger against a future opportunity of indulging it.
24Don’t harbor in your heart any trace of deceit.
25Nor pretend to be at peace with another when you are not.
26Don’t abandon the true standards of charity.
27Don’t use oaths to make your point for fear of perjury.
28Speak the truth with integrity of heart and tongue.
29If you are harmed by anyone, never repay it by returning the harm.
30You should never inflict any injury on another but bear patiently whatever you have to suffer.
31Love your enemies.
32Refrain for speaking evil but rather call a blessing on those who speak evil of you.
33If you are persecuted for favoring a just cause, then bear it patiently.
34Avoid all pride and self-importance.
35Don’t drink to excess.
36Nor overeat.
37Don’t be lazy.
38Nor give way to excessive sleep.
39Don’t be a murmurer.
40And never in speaking take away the good name of another.
41Your hope of fulfillment should be centered on God alone.
42When you see any good in yourself, then, don’t take it to be your own, but acknowledge it as a gift from God.
43On the other hand, you may be sure that any evil you do is always your own and you may safely acknowledge your responsibility.
Whoever wishes to come after me, must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me, says the Lord.
(Communion Antiphon, Mass)
SAINT JANUARIUS, PRAY FOR US.
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