SR
Chapter 9LiVM.4.9

XI. Verba ObstincUionis.

XI. Verba ObstincUionis.

The sixth image, however, had the form of a buffalo. And he said, "I have neither excess nor superfluity of various things and causes within me, but with this and this I say, I cannot express that sluggishly and slowly." If the earth were always moist from rain and rich soil, and if it had no hardness, it would be of no use at all, because its fruits would not thrive in that way; or if it were tender, flowing waters would completely destroy it. And what good is it to me if I'm not gentle in every situation, when the incongruous and sudden rain falling hurts the land so much? But if I can't even sigh, then so be it; or if I don't weep, I have no care, because many perish through sorrow, and no one fails because of tears. For every grace that God wants to give, He gives it. And why should I work so stubbornly for that? And why should I also work for that, which I know I couldn't accomplish? For when anyone seeks what they cannot find, it does them no good.

Read the original Latin

Sexta vero imago formam bubali habebat.

Et dixit: « Nequaquam nimietatem aut superfluitatem diversarum rerum et causarum in me habeo, sed cum hoc et hoc dico, illud segniter et moUiter proferre non valeo.

Si enira terra de pluvia et de pinguedine moUis semper esset, et si duritiam non haberet, hoc ad nullam utilitatem valeret, quoniam fructus ejus hoc modo non proficerent; aut si > tenera esset, aquae super eam fluentes totam destruerent.

Et quid hoc me laedit, si in unaquaque causa mollis non sum, quum incongruens et repentina pluvia cadens, terram valde iaedut.

Si autem suspirare non possum, hoc ita sit; vel si non lacrimor, nulla cura mihi est, quia multi per moestitiam pereunt, et nulii propter lacrimas deficiunt.

Nam omnem gratiam quam Deus praestare vult, illam praestat.

Et cur pro illa tam pertinaciter laborarem? £t cur etiam pro illo laborarem, quod perficere nou possem?

Cum enim quilibet inquirit quod invenire non potest, nihil illi prodest.»

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

Examination is a habit, not an event

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

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Chosen Portion — Daily Prayer (free iOS app)