And So We Are Going to Establish
Establishing a school for the Lord requires perseverance and patience, and is a path to sharing in Christ's sufferings and deserving a share in His kingdom.
St. Benedict of Nursia preaches about establishing a school for the service of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of introducing kindness and fairness in all aspects. He encourages perseverance in the way of salvation, even when faced with challenges or strictness for the betterment of character and charity. By following God's commandments with love and patience, believers can share in the sufferings of Christ and ultimately deserve a place in His kingdom.
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And so we are going to establish a school for the service of the Lord. In founding it we hope to introduce nothing harsh or burdensome. But if a certain strictness results from the dictates of equity for the amendment of vices or the preservation of charity, do not be at once dismayed and fly from the way of salvation, whose entrance cannot but be narrow (Matt. 7:14). For as we advance in the religious life and in faith, our hearts expand and we run the way of God's commandments with unspeakable sweetness of love. Thus, never departing from His school, but persevering in the monastery according to His teaching until death, we may by patience share in the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:13) and deserve to have a share also in His kingdom.
Sermon Outline
- Establishing a School for the Lord
- The Narrow Path to Salvation
- Sharing in Christ's Sufferings
- Founding Principles
- Avoiding Harshness
- Entrance to the Way of Salvation
- The Importance of Perseverance
- Patience and Suffering
- Deserving a Share in His Kingdom
Key Quotes
“For as we advance in the religious life and in faith, our hearts expand and we run the way of God's commandments with unspeakable sweetness of love.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Do not be at once dismayed and fly from the way of salvation, whose entrance cannot but be narrow (Matt. 7:14).” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Persevere in the school and in the way of God's commandments, even in the face of strictness or hardship.
- Advance in the religious life and in faith, and allow your heart to expand with love and sweetness.
- Deserve a share in Christ's kingdom by patience and perseverance in the school, until death.