That we must give ourselves to humble works when we are unequal to
those that are lofty
“My Son, thou art not always able to continue in very fervent desire
after virtues, nor to stand fast in the loftier region of
contemplation; but thou must of necessity sometimes descend to lower
things because of thine original corruption, and bear about the burden
of corruptible life, though unwillingly and with weariness. So long as
thou wearest a mortal body, thou shalt feel weariness and heaviness of
heart. Therefore thou oughtest to groan often in the flesh because of
the burden of the flesh, inasmuch as thou canst not give thyself to
spiritual studies and divine contemplation unceasingly.
2. “At such a time it is expedient for thee to flee to humble and
external works, and to renew thyself with good actions; to wait for My
coming and heavenly visitation with sure confidence; to bear thy exile
and drought of mind with patience, until thou be visited by Me again,
and be freed from all anxieties. For I will cause thee to forget thy
labours, and altogether to enjoy eternal peace. I will spread open
before thee the pleasant pastures of the Scriptures, that with enlarged
heart thou mayest begin to run in the way of My commandments. And thou
shalt say, ‘The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.’”(1)
(1) Romans viii. 18.