Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 5, Chapter 3
Explain This Parable to Us
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Similitude 5.3.1I said, “Sir, I do not understand these parables and cannot grasp them unless you explain them to me.”
Similitude 5.3.2“I will explain everything to you,” he said, “including whatever I discuss with you.
Similitude 5.3.3“I will show you His commandments. If you do something good beyond God’s commandment, you will gain greater glory for yourself and be more glorious before God than you otherwise would have been. If, then, while keeping God’s commandments you add these services, you will rejoice, provided you observe them according to my command.
Similitude 5.3.4I said to him, “Sir, whatever you command me, I will keep, for I know you are with me.” “I will be with you,” he said, “because you have such eagerness to do good. I will also be with everyone who has this eagerness.
Similitude 5.3.5“This fast,” he said, “is very good when the Lord’s commandments are kept. Observe the fast you intend to keep in this way:
Similitude 5.3.6“First of all, guard against every evil word and every evil desire, and cleanse your heart of all the empty things of this age. If you observe these things, this fast will be perfect for you.
Similitude 5.3.7“Do this: after carrying out what is written, on the day you fast taste nothing except bread and water. Calculate how much you would have spent that day on the food you intended to eat, and give that amount to a widow, an orphan, or someone in need. In this way you will humble yourself, so that through your humility the recipient may satisfy his own soul and pray to the Lord for you.
Similitude 5.3.8“If you complete the fast as I have commanded you, your sacrifice will be acceptable to God, and this fast will be recorded. Service performed in this way is good, joyful, and welcome to the Lord.
Similitude 5.3.9“You must observe these things in this way with your children and your whole household. If you observe them, you will be blessed. Everyone who hears and observes them will be blessed, and will receive whatever they ask from the Lord.”
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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.