Lest You Remain

moderation in the situation. 2. The essence of your poverty is found in this: that no one keeps anything pri- vately without the consent of the Superiors, nor would he dare to call anything his own. However, those things given for his use let him preserve them neatly, careful- ly and for as long as possible Let all income be turned over for common use whether it comes from alms or other sources. Let them observe absolutely and strictly the manner of collecting, saving and dispensing this income, the manner contained in the papal decrees under the penalties specified there Without the per- mission of the superior, let none keep with himself either money or food or drink, under the penalty of losing active and passive voice. Such permission could be granted only for some good reason and for a short time, for all ought to live mm common resources and the common table. However, foreseeing all he harm [that could come from its use], this permission is to be granted chiefly and only to the aged and the sick. No member should receive anything from anybody without the permission of the superiors whether it be from a house member or an outsider; nor should he give anything to anyone. Before profession he should dispose of his inheritance and his goods in the world, if he had any. If he was hindered by some- thing, then he should settle his affairs as quickly as possible after profession, since our Lord openly stated: None of you can be my disciple if he does not renounce all his possessions (Lk l4:33b). The superiors will provide the members, as much as they will be able in the Lord, sufficiently in all things according to our norms, no superfluously however. Otherwise, on account of more rigorous want the members would be found slothful in their service of God. It is fitting for each one to be mind- ful that he is rather the imitator of the heavenly King in need, who, it is said, had neither his own home (Mt 8:20; Lk 9:58), nor when he was thirsty, was ashamed to have asked for water (Jn 4:7). So you once you find yourself in a situation of utmost poverty, rejoice exceedingly, because then you can be the true disciples and follow- ers of Christ the Lord. 3. Obedience guards chastity, and poverty nourishes chastity. Therefore, the one eager for purity exercises himself in obedience and poverty, and then he will possess chastity. The following means will be able to greatly aid anyone to preserve this angelic virtue [of chastity]: modesty of the eyes and the constant elevation of the mind to God; the flight from laziness, idle conversations, useless reading; pru- dent avoiding of dangerous company; love of one’s cell, and respect for the clois- ter; an ardent invocation of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mother of God, your guardian angel, St. Joseph, the holy virgins. The superiors will take pains lest they throw anyone into a situation endangering so great a virtue, or that they would neg- lect someone so endangered, seeing that they will have to render to God a most strict accounting of those entrusted to them. L EST Y OU R EMAIN W ITHOUT W ORK IN THE V INEYARD OF THE L ORD 38