The fourth degree of humility
1 Feb. 2 June. 2 Oct. The fourth degree of humility is, that if in this very obedience hard and contrary things, nay even injuries,...
Thy word to thy servant
In yet another instance of the liturgical providence of God, today’s Collect dovetails with the passage from the Holy Rule that we read this morning...
The third degree of humility
Jan. 1 June. 1 Oct. The third degree of humility is, that a man for the love of God submit himself to his superior in...
The second degree of humility
Jan. 31 May. 30 Sept. The second degree of humility is, that a man love not his own will, nor delight in fulfilling his own...
The first degree of humility (4)
29 Jan. 30 May. 29 Sept. Let us be on our guard, then, against evil desires, since death hath its seat close to the entrance...
Quis resistet Sancti Michaelis gladio?
I wrote and posted this piece in 2006: Angels Everywhere Italian baroque churches are full of representations of the angels. There are majestic angels of...
The first degree of humility (VII:4)
28 Jan. 29 May. 28 Sept. We are, indeed, forbidden to do our own will by Scripture, which saith to us: turn away from thine...
The first degree of humility (2)
27 Jan. 28 May. 27 Sept. Let him consider that he is always beheld from heaven by God, and that his actions are everywhere seen...
To be silent and to listen
CHAPTER VI. Of the Practice of Silence 24 Jan. 25 May. 24 Sept. Let us do as saith the prophet: “I said, I will take...
Hilarem datorem diligit Deus (V:II)
23 Jan. 24 May. 23 Sept. But this very obedience will then only be acceptable to God and sweet to men, if what is commanded...
Novena to Saint Thérèse, 22—30 September
Dear readers of Vultus Christi, please join with us in seeking the intercession of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face...
Narrow is the way which leadeth unto life
CHAPTER V. Of Obedience 22 Jan. 23 May. 22 Sept. The first degree of humility is obedience without delay. This becometh those who hold nothing...
And never to despair of God’s mercy (IV:IV)
21 Jan. 22 May. 21 Sept. 62. Daily to fulfil by one’s deeds the commandments of God. 63. To love chastity. 64. To hate no...
Actus vitae suae omni hora custodire (IV:III)
20 Jan. 21 May. 20 Sept. 44. To fear the Day of Judgment. 45. To be in dread of hell. 46. To desire with a...
Spem suam Deo committere (IV:II)
19 Jan. 20 May. 19 Sept. 22. Not to give way to anger. 23. Not to harbour a desire of revenge. 24. Not to foster...
To prefer nothing to the love of Christ
CHAPTER IV. What are the Instruments of Good Works 18 Jan. 19 May. 18 Sept. In the first place, to love the Lord God with...
Do all things with counsel
17 Jan. 18 May. 17 Sept. Let all therefore, follow the Rule in all things as their guide, and let no man rashly depart from...
To order all things prudently and with justice
CHAPTER III. Of calling the Brethren to Council 16 Jan. 1 As often as any important matters have to be transacted in the monastery, let...
Primum quaerite regnum Dei et iustitiam eius
5 Jan. 16 May. 15 Sept. Above all let him not, overlooking or under-valuing the salvation of the souls entrusted to him, be too solicitous...
Argue, obsecra, increpa
13 Jan. 14 May. 13 Sept. For the Abbot in his doctrine ought always to observe the bidding of the Apostle, wherein he says: “Reprove,...