And the Lord, Seeking His Laborer
The Lord invites us to a life of obedience and relationship, promising to be present with us and listen to our prayers.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of seeking true and everlasting life by keeping our speech pure and turning away from evil, while actively pursuing peace. He reminds us that God's eyes are on those who follow His ways, and He is attentive to their prayers even before they call upon Him. St. Benedict highlights the sweetness of the Lord's invitation to walk in His ways and experience His loving kindness, which leads to the path of life.
Text
And the Lord, seeking his laborer
in the multitude to whom He thus cries out,
says again,
"Who is the one who will have life,
and desires to see good days" (Ps. 33[34]:13)?
And if, hearing Him, you answer,
"I am the one,"
God says to you,
"If you will have true and everlasting life,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips that they speak no guile.
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek after peace and pursue it" (Ps. 33[34]:14-15).
And when you have done these things,
My eyes shall be upon you
and My ears open to your prayers;
and before you call upon Me,
I will say to you,
'Behold, here I am'" (Ps. 33[34]:16; Is. 65:24; 58:9).
What can be sweeter to us, dear ones,
than this voice of the Lord inviting us?
Behold, in His loving kindness
the Lord shows us the way of life.
Sermon Outline
- The Call of the Lord
- The Conditions for True Life
- The Reward of Obedience
- God's eyes will be upon the obedient
- God's ears will be open to the obedient's prayers
- Seek after peace and pursue it
Key Quotes
“Who is the one who will have life, and desires to see good days?” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“If you will have true and everlasting life, keep your tongue from evil and your lips that they speak no guile.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to keep your words kind and truthful.
- Seek after peace and harmony in your relationships and community.
- Trust that God is present with you and listening to your prayers.