(THESE ARE THE RULES OF SCRIPTURES BY WHICH WE CAN ATTAIN ETERNAL LIFE)

RULE 18

The commands of God should be carried out as the Lord enjoins.  He who executes them sloppily is reprobate in the sight of God even though he seems to be complying with the commands.  

How should we hold parties?  "When thou makest a party or a supper, call not thy friends nor thy brethren, nor thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbor, lest perhaps they also invite thee again, and a recompense be made to thee.  When thou makest a party, call the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind; and thou shalt be blessed, because they have not wherewith to make thee recompense; for recompense shall be made to thee at the resurrection of the just." 

We should not perform the commands of Christ with a view to pleasing men or from any other earthly motive.  In everything, our aim must be the good pleasure and the glory of God:  "Take heed you do not do your almsgiving to be seen by men. . .do not sound your trumpets like the hypocrites."  "Whatever you do, whether you eat or drink. . .do all to the glory of God."

Morals of St. Gregory (The favorite book of St. Teresa of Avila)

(03-22-04)