The Fourth Degree of Humility
The sermon emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of trials as a manifestation of true humility.
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.
Text
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).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the Fourth Degree of Humility
- The Importance of Patience
- Scriptural Foundations
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II
- Enduring Difficulties and Injustices
- The Role of Faith in Trials
- Examples from Scripture
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III
- The Call to Perseverance
- Joy in Trials
- The Promise of Divine Recompense
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IV
- Living Under Authority
- Responding to Adversity
- The Christian Response to Injustice
Key Quotes
“The one who perseveres to the end, is the one who shall be saved.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“In all these trials we conquer, through Him who has granted us His love.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“You have tested us, O God; You have tried us as silver is tried, by fire.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Practice patience in daily challenges to grow in humility.
- Respond to injustices with love and understanding, reflecting Christ's teachings.
- Seek strength in Scripture to endure trials and maintain hope.