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!
I thought about that today. Thank you for posting it.
ReplyDeleteNB I've found the source of the story I mentioned:
ReplyDeleteIn 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_."