Saturday, September 20, 2008

Quotation of the Day

Too many would fall under this malediction to-day, sloppy priests and abusers of the sacred...

Jeremias xlviii, 10a:  Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord carelessly (Vulg. fraudulently, Sept & Neo-Vulg. negligently)!

In the originals:

אָרוּר, עֹשֶׂה מְלֶאכֶת יְהוָה--רְמִיָּה
(MT: Jer. xlviii, 10a)

ἐπικατάρατος ὁ ποιῶν τὰ ἔργα κυρίου ἀμελῶς 
(LXX: Jer. xxxi, 10a - the Septuagint differently orders certain chapters)

Maledictus qui facit opus Domini fraudulenter* 
(Vulg: Jer. xlviii, 10a - the Neo-Vulgate reads *neglegenter)

Compare and consider this following instructive tale told of some religious: two of the brethren were reciting the Office together in an unbecoming posture, when on a sudden the devil appeared in their midst, said "This is the incense suited to your prayers," and disappeared again, leaving behind a foul stench! 

2 comments:

  1. I thought about that today. Thank you for posting it.

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  2. NB I've found the source of the story I mentioned:

    In the _Selva_, St. Alphonsus writes: "It is related that
    while two religious recited Matins a devil appeared, caused an intolerable stench, and through mockery said, 'To the prayer which you offer such incense is suited' - _ad talem orationem tale debetur
    incensum_."

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