In Principio

'[V] Of the Fifth Weapon’- 'The Seven Spiritual Weapons' by Saint Catherine of Bologna – pages 20-21

“(1) The fifth weapon is to remind oneself that we must die. This time is called the time of mercy in which God looks down day after day so that we can amend our lives from good to better. If we do not do this, we will have to render account, not only of the evils we have done, but also of the goods left undone by our negligence. And so Paul the glorious apostle spoke well: “Let us do good while we have time” (Gal 6.10).

(2) So often think about death and always stand ready for it, for we know neither the day nor the hour when the most strict judge will command us to render account of the talent of good will granted to us so we could exercise it in praise of him and for the salvation of our soul and of our neighbors.

(3) Novices should especially be on guard, as was said above, lest, out of excessive confidence in themselves, they trespass the rule imposed on them by their superiors and mistresses. They should devote all their effort to walking along that way which is marked for them regarding the regimen of body and soul. I say this because sometimes the enemy, with shrewd cunning, leads those who are only slightly instructed in the spiritual battle to think that they must soon die and that they will have little to show for themselves if they do not do further penance.

(4) For this reason, the malignant one strives and studies to make them exceed the rule of true obedience which is without any doubt more meritorious than any penance they could do. So it is necessary to use with good judgment this weapon of recollection of our death, so that it can be utilized for the salvation of the soul and for the praise of Christ. Amen.”

Image: Gerard Seghers – ‘Le Christ apres la Flagellation ‘
‘Le Christ apres la Flagellation’ = ‘Christ after Scourging’


Music: Orazio Colombano - ‘Memento domine David’ · Denis Silano & Cappella Musicale Della Cattedrale di Vercelli

‘Memento domine David’ = ‘Remember, Lord David’

>>> youtube.com/watch?v=nevFlb0R3lo
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In Principio shares this

"(4) For this reason, the malignant one strives and studies to make them exceed the rule of true obedience which is without any doubt more meritorious than any penance they could do."

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jili22 shares this
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In Principio

"(2) So often think about death and always stand ready for it, for we know neither the day nor the hour when the most strict judge will command us to render account of the talent of good will granted to us so we could exercise it in praise of him and for the salvation of our soul and of our neighbors."

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