Choose a topic from Part 2B:

22. Precepts Regarding Hope and Fear

1. Every scriptural promise of reward is an implied precept of hope. Besides, Holy Writ has warnings and commands which tell us to have hope. For instance, in Psalm 61 we read: "Hope in Him, all ye congregation of the people."

2. The precept of fear is found in every scriptural promise; for promised reward is not only something to stir hope of attainment, but to stir fear of failure to attain. And fear is directly inculcated by both the Old Law and the New; for instance,in Deuteronomy (10:12) we read: "And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but that thou fear the Lord thy God?"

"Lord, take from me everything that hinders me from going to You. give me all that will lead me to You. Take me from myself and give me to Yourself."
St Nicholas Flue

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"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God?"
Thomas á Kempis

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