Daily Devotional
Lowly Hope, Not Rebellion
These readings set two ways before us. One is the proud and rebellious way: eyes that see but do not heed, ears that hear but do not obey. Such people despise plain warnings, cling to their houses and habits, and imagine that judgment is far off. Yet the Lord makes His sign before them, and what He speaks comes to pass. As Lactantius says, "and this house shall be desolate, and every one that shall pass by it shall be astonished, and shall say, Why has God done these evils to this land and to this house?"
The other way is the lowly way of Ruth and of the psalm. Ruth does not seize; she comes in humility, obedience, and chastity, seeking refuge under the order God has appointed. Psalm 131 gives the inner form of this life: not a haughty heart, not lofty eyes, not restless meddling in matters too high. "Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty: I have not exercised myself in great matters, nor in things too high for me; but I was humble." The soul that bows itself in this manner is not inert; it waits rightly, hopes rightly, and receives rightly.
So let us not be like the rebellious house, needing ever new signs while neglecting the commandments already given. Let us be small before God: quick to repent, content with the place assigned us, diligent in modest duties, and ready to leave behind whatever keeps us from obedience. The one who would find rest must first lay aside pride. Hope in the Lord is not presumption; it is the quiet steadfastness of those who tremble at His word and do it.
“and this house shall be desolate, and every one that shall pass by it shall be astonished, and shall say, Why has God done these evils to this land and to this house?”
— Lactantius, The Divine Institutes
“Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty: I have not exercised myself in great matters, nor in things too high for me; but I was humble.”
— Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions
For Reflection & Discussion
What one proud habit or stubborn disobedience must you confess today, and what concrete act of repentance will you do before nightfall?
Where have you been meddling in matters beyond your charge; what modest duty of prayer, work, or care for another must you attend to instead this week?
What possession, plan, or attachment would be hard for you to leave if the Lord required it, and how will you begin to loosen your grip through almsgiving, fasting, or restitution?
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