Reuelacio quinta in libro questionum, in qua Christus loquens sponse sue beate Birgitte instruit eam, quod non sit sollicita circa curam diuiciarum terrenarum, et informat eam de paciencia habenda tempore tribulacionis cum virtute perfecte annichilacionis et humilitatis.
The Four Deceivers of the World
Christ warns his bride to be vigilant against the four deceptive servants sent by the world.
The Son of God speaks to his bride, saying, "Be diligent in watching over yourself." But she replied, "Why?" The Lord said to her, "Because the world is sending four servants to you who want to deceive you."
Detachment from Riches and Loss
The Lord instructs his bride on how to respond to the anxiety of wealth and the pain of losing earthly possessions.
The first is the anxiety over riches. When this comes, answer it: 'Riches are fleeting, and the more you have, the greater the account you'll have to give.' That is why I don't worry about them, because they don't follow their owner, but leave him behind.' The second servant is the loss of wealth and the damage to things you've been granted. Respond to this in this way: 'The One who gave wealth has also taken it away; He Himself knows what is best for me.'✦ May His will be done!'✦
Patience in Tribulation and Insult
Christ teaches the soul to embrace suffering and public reproach as opportunities for humility and divine praise.
The third servant is the tribulation of the world. To this, say: 'Blessed be You, my God, who allow me to be troubled.' Through these trials, I recognize that I am yours, because you allow me to be troubled now so that you may spare me in the future. Therefore, grant me patience and the strength to endure. The fourth servant is someone who is despised and subjected to insults. Respond to them this way: 'God alone is good, and to Him alone is all honor due.' As for me, having done nothing but vile and evil deeds, why or how could I deserve honor? I am worthy of every reproach, since my whole life has blasphemed God. And what good is honor to me, compared to disgrace, if it only stirs up pride, diminishes humility, and causes God to be forgotten? Therefore, let all praise and honor belong to God.
The Call to Steadfast Love
The chapter concludes with a final exhortation to stand firm against worldly influence and prioritize love for God.
So, stand firm against the servants of the world, and love me, your God, with all your heart.
Read the original Latin
Filius Dei loquitur sponse dicens: "Attende tibi diligenter!" At illa respondit: "Quare?" Cui Dominus ait: "Quia mundus mittit ad te quatuor seruos te volentes decipere.
Primus est sollicitudo diuiciarum. Huic, cum venerit, responde: 'Diuicie transitorie sunt, de quibus tanto maior reddenda est racio, quo plus habundant. Ideo non curo de eis, quia non sequuntur possessorem sed relinquunt.'
Secundus seruus est amissio diuiciarum et dampnum rerum concessarum. Huic responde sic: 'Qui diuicias dedit, ipse et abstulit; ipse nouit, quid michi expedit. Fiat voluntas eius!'
Tercius seruus est tribulacio mundi. Huic sic dicito: 'Benedictus sis tu Deus meus, qui me tribulari permittis.
Per tribulaciones enim cognosco, quod tua sum, quia ideo tribulari permittis in presenti, vt parcas in futuro. Propterea tribue michi pacienciam et fortitudinem sustinendi.'
Quartus seruus est despectus et obprobria. Hiis responde taliter: 'Deus solus bonus est et ipsi debetur omnis honor.
Ego autem, que feci omnia opera vilia et mala, vnde aut cur michi honor, que magis omni obprobrio digna sum, quia tota vita mea blasphemauit Deum?
Aut quid plus valet michi honor quam obprobrium, nisi quod excitat superbiam et minuit humilitatem et obliuiscitur Deus? Ideo sit omnis laus et honor Deo.'
Propterea insta stabiliter contra seruos mundi et dilige me Deum tuum toto corde."
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