To Fear the Day of Judgment
St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of fearing judgment, living righteously, and pursuing true holiness through prayer and obedience.
St. Benedict of Nursia preaches about the importance of fearing the Day of Judgment, being in dread of hell, and desiring eternal life with all the passion of the spirit. He emphasizes the need to keep death daily before one's eyes, to keep constant guard over the actions of one's life, and to know for certain that God sees one everywhere. St. Benedict also highlights the importance of immediately dashing evil thoughts against Christ, manifesting them to one's spiritual guardian, and guarding one's tongue against evil and depraved speech.
Text
44. To fear the Day of Judgment. 45. To be in dread of hell. 46. To desire eternal life with all the passion of the spirit. 47. To keep death daily before one's eyes. 48. To keep constant guard over the actions of one's life. 49. To know for certain that God sees one everywhere. 50. When evil thoughts come into one's heart, to dash them against Christ immediately. 51. And to manifest them to one's spiritual guardian. 52. To guard one's tongue against evil and depraved speech. 53. Not to love much talking. 54. Not to speak useless words or words that move to laughter. 55. Not to love much or boisterous laughter. 56. To listen willingly to holy reading. 57.
To devote oneself frequently to prayer. 58.
Daily in one's prayers, with tears and sighs, to confess one's past sins to God, and to amend them for the future. 59. Not to fulfill the desires of the flesh; to hate one's own will. 60. To obey in all things the commands of the Abbot or Abbess even though they (which God forbid) should act otherwise, mindful of the Lord's precept, "Do what they say, but not what they do." 61. Not to wish to be called holy before one is holy; but first to be holy, that one may be truly so called.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Importance of Fear in Judgment - The Dread of Hell - Desiring Eternal Life
- II points: - Keeping Death in Mind - Guarding One's Actions - God's Omnipresence
- III points: - Dealing with Evil Thoughts - Controlling Speech - The Value of Holy Reading
- IV points: - The Role of Prayer - Confession and Repentance - Obedience to Spiritual Authority
- V points: - True Holiness vs. False Claims - The Pursuit of Genuine Faith
Key Quotes
“To fear the Day of Judgment.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“To keep constant guard over the actions of one's life.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Not to wish to be called holy before one is holy; but first to be holy, that one may be truly so called.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Regularly reflect on your actions to ensure they align with your faith.
- Engage in daily prayer and confession to strengthen your relationship with God.
- Seek to embody true holiness through your actions rather than just seeking recognition.