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  THE FOURTH DEGREE OF HUMILITY
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of patience and
perseverance in the face of trials as a manifestation of true humility.

Topics: "Christian Humility", "Persevering Faith"
Scripture References: Psalm 27:14, Psalm 44:22, Psalm 66:10, Psalm 66:12, Matthew 10:22, Romans 8:36-37, 1 Corinthians 4:12, 2 Corinthians 11:26

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia preaches about the fourth degree of humility,
emphasizing the importance of holding fast to patience with a silent
mind in obedience, even in the face of difficulties, contradictions, and
injustices. He highlights the need to endure all challenges without
growing weary or running away, citing Scriptures that encourage
perseverance and waiting for the Lord. St. Benedict also stresses the
faithful endurance of trials and adversities, trusting in divine
recompense and conquering through God's love. He underscores the
fulfillment of the Lord's command in facing injuries and adversities
with patience, following the examples set by the Scriptures and Apostle
Paul.

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CONTENT
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The fourth degree of humility is that he hold fast to patience with a
silent mind when in this obedience he meets with difficulties and
contradictions and even any kind of injustice, enduring all without
growing weary or running away. For the Scripture says, "The one who
perseveres to the end, is the one who shall be saved" (Matt. 10:22); and
again "Let your heart take courage, and wait for the Lord" (Ps.
26[27]:14)! And to show how those who are faithful ought to endure all
things, however contrary, for the Lord, the Scripture says in the person
of the suffering, "For Your sake we are put to death all the day long;
we are considered as sheep marked for slaughter" (Ps. 43[44]:22; Rom.
8:36).

Then, secure in their hope of a divine recompense, they go on with joy
to declare, "But in all these trials we conquer, through Him who has
granted us His love" (Rom. 8:37). Again, in another place the Scripture
says, "You have tested us, O God; You have tried us as silver is tried,
by fire; You have brought us into a snare; You have laid afflictions on
our back" (Ps. 65[66]:10-11). And to show that we ought to be under a
Superior, it goes on to say, "You have set men over our heads" (Ps.
65[66]:12).

Moreover, by their patience those faithful ones fulfill the Lord's
command in adversities and injuries: when struck on one cheek, they
offer the other; when deprived of their tunic, they surrender also their
cloak; when forced to go a mile, they go two; with the Apostle Paul they
bear with false brethren (2 Cor. 11:26) and bless those who curse them
(1 Cor. 4:12).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/the-fourth-degree-of-humility/
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