SR
Chapter 40LiVM.3.40

XLVIII. De eodem

XLVIII. De eodem

When pride in a person is overcome by such affliction, this is indeed the battle against pride. Indeed, cilicium prevents the pride of the mind from rising up; the bending of the knees also stirs the spirit to sighs; blows constrain pride, sighs wound it, and tears drown it: for a sigh sees God, but a tear confesses Him.

Read the original Latin

Cum ista namque afflictione superbia in homine superatur; haec enim pugna contra superbiam est.

Cilicium quippe elationem mentis insurgere prohibet; flexio quoque genuum ad suspiria animum instigat; verbera etiam superbiam constringunt, suspiria eara vulnerant, et lacrimae eam submergunt: suspirium quippe Deum videt, lacrima autem ipsum confitetur.

Liber Vitae Meritorum (Book of the Rewards of Life) companion

Examination is a habit, not an event

The free Chosen Portion app pairs daily readings from Hildegard with a fixed prayer rhythm

Hildegard's rhythm of naming a vice and answering it with virtue continues as short daily examen-style devotionals in the Chosen Portion app

  • A weekly examen you can complete in 15 minutes using Hildegard's 35 pairs
  • Daily readings from the full Book of the Rewards of Life, free in the app
  • All six parts, translated into modern English, at no cost
Chosen Portion — Daily Prayer (free iOS app)