November 30

Nineteenth Saturday after Trinity

Examine yourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5.

God bids you examine yourselves. "Examine your own consciences," our Church repeats, "and that not lightly and after the manner of dissemblers with God;" examine your lives and conversation by the rule of God's commandments. "Examine thyself, that thou mayest know thyself. Thou must examine thyself, that thou mayest keep the knowledge of thyself. Thou must examine thyself again and again, as thou wouldest glean after harvest, that nothing be lost. Thou must examine thyself, not by the examples of those around thee, nor by the maxims of the world, but by the light of God's commandments. Thou must pray to thy Father, Who seeth in secret, that He would shed His light into thy soul, to teach thee of what to repent, what to amend; that thou mayest know all, sorrow for all, leave all, be forgiven all which is against the will and goodness of the all-good God." All holiness is contained in two points: knowledge of God, and knowledge of self. "Lord, make me to know Thee, and to know myself." The prayer is short, though its meaning is infinite. Knowledge of God elevates the soul; knowledge of self humbles it. This very knowledge of God which lifts man up, humbles him at the same time by the comparison of himself with God; and self-knowledge, while it humbles him, lifts him up by necessitating his approach to God. Ladder of sanctity, whereon men descend while they ascend, and in the same proportion! For the true elevation of man is inseparable from his true humiliation.

But when in men grown high and bold Christ's image He doth not behold, In Christ no more He hears their call, He turns His countenance, and they fall.