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| An image of Saint Jerome |
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)
