Wednesday 30 September 2015

Saint Jerome / September 30 Text prepared by the Benedictines of Stanbrook, 1971

An image of Saint Jerome  http://www.spirituality.org/is/194/saint.asp

     
Saint Jerome / Doctor of the Church.
St Jerome was born in Dalmatia about the year 340. He studied in Rome and was later baptised. He then began to lead a life of asceticism. He went to the East and was there ordained priest. Returning to Rome he became secretary to Pope St Damasus and began the task of translating the Bible into Latin, as well as promoting the monastic life. He settled in Bethlehem where he gave great help in the needs of the Church. He wrote many works especially commentaries on the Scriptures. He died at Bethlehem in the year 420.

A Reading from a Letter of St Jerome to Rusticus.
No one is happier than the Christian, for in him is promised the kingdom of heaven: no-one is more toil-worn, for every day he goes in danger of his life. Nothing isstronger than he is, for he triumphs over the devil: nothing is weaker, for
he is conquered by the flesh.
If you wish to be, and not merely seem, a monk, have regard not for your property - you began your vows by renouncing it - but for your soul. Let a coarse tunic prove that you despise the world. Let your fasts be moderate: a frugal, temperate diet is good for both body and soul. Always have a book in your hand and before your eyes; learn the psalms word by word, pray without ceasing, keep your senses on the alert and closed against vain imaginings. Let your mind and body both strain towards the Lord; overcome wrath by patience; love the knowledge of the Scriptures and you will not love the sins of the flesh. Do not let your mind offer a lodging to disturbing thoughts, for if they once find a home in your breast they will become your masters and lead you on into fatal sin. Engage in some occupation, so that the devil will always find you busy. If the apostles who had the power to make the Gospel their livelihood still worked with their hands that they might not be a burden on any man, why should not you provide for your own future wants?

Make creels of reeds or weave baskets of pliant osiers. Hoe the ground and mark it out into equal plots, and when you have sown cabbage seed or set plants in rows, bring water down in channels. Graft barren trees with buds or slips so
that you may, after a little time, pluck sweet fruit as a reward for your labours.
Make hives for bees, for to them the Proverbs of Solomon send you, and by watching the tiny creatures learn the ordinance of a monastery and the discipline of a kingdom. Twist lines too for catching fish, and copy out manuscripts, so that your own hand may earn your food and your soul be satisfied with reading. 'Everyone that is idle is a prey to vain desires.'
The task is hard, and great and difficult; but great also are the rewards.
Letter CXXV. ET: F.A. Wright.
(Text prepared by the Benedictines of Stanbrook, 1971)


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