We Must Be on Our Guard, Therefore, Against Evil Desires
We must be constantly on guard against evil desires, lest we fall into sin and incur God's displeasure.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against evil desires, as death lurks near the gate of pleasure. He reminds the congregation of the command to resist sinful urges and to seek God diligently, knowing that the Lord watches over both the good and the evil. St. Benedict warns that our actions are constantly observed by God and reported by the Angels, urging us to avoid falling into wicked ways and to strive for righteousness before God's patience runs out.
Text
We must be on our guard, therefore, against evil desires, for death lies close by the gate of pleasure.
Hence the Scripture gives this command: "Go not after your concupiscences" (Eccles. 18:30).
So therefore, since the eyes of the Lord observe the good and the evil (Prov. 15:3) and the Lord is always looking down from heaven on the children of earth "to see if there be anyone who understands and seeks God" (Ps. 13[14]:2), and since our deeds are daily, day and night, reported to the Lord by the Angels assigned to us, we must constantly beware, brethren, as the Prophet says in the Psalm, lest at any time God see us falling into evil ways and becoming unprofitable (Ps. 13[14]:3); and lest, having spared us for the present because in His kindness He awaits our reformation, He say to us in the future, "These things you did, and I held My peace" (Ps. 49[50]:21).
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Evil Desires
- The Lord Observes Our Actions
- The Importance of Constant Vigilance
- We must beware of falling into evil ways
- God awaits our reformation
Key Quotes
“Death lies close by the gate of pleasure.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Go not after your concupiscences” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“These things you did, and I held My peace” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- We must be mindful of our base desires and seek to follow God's will.
- We should strive to live a life of constant vigilance, aware that God is always observing our actions.
- God's kindness and patience give us the opportunity to reform and turn back to Him.