Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 7, Chapter 1
Whom the Lord Loves, He Disciplines
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Similitude 7.1.1A few days later, I saw him in the same plain where I had seen the shepherds. He said to me, “What are you seeking?” “I have come, sir, so that you may command the punishing shepherd to leave my house, because he afflicts me greatly.” “You must be afflicted,” he said, “for the glorious angel has ordered this concerning you. He wants you to be tested.” “What have I done that is so evil, sir,” I asked, “that I should be handed over to this angel?”
Similitude 7.1.2“Listen,” he said. “Your sins are many, but not so many that you should be handed over to this angel. Your household, however, has committed great lawless deeds and sins. The glorious angel was embittered by their deeds and therefore ordered you to be afflicted for a time, so that they too might repent and cleanse themselves of every desire of this age. When they repent and are cleansed, the angel of punishment will leave you.”
Similitude 7.1.3I said to him, “Sir, if they have done such things that the glorious angel was embittered, what have I done?” “They cannot otherwise be afflicted,” he said, “unless you, the head of the household, are afflicted. When you are afflicted, they too will necessarily be afflicted; but while you are at peace, they cannot experience any affliction.”
Similitude 7.1.4“But look, sir,” I said, “they have repented with their whole heart.” “I too know,” he said, “that they have repented with their whole heart. Do you suppose, then, that the sins of those who repent are forgiven immediately? Certainly not. The repentant person must torment his own soul, humble himself deeply in all his conduct, and be afflicted with every kind of varied affliction. If he endures the afflictions that come upon him, the One who created and strengthened all things will surely have compassion and grant him some healing.
Similitude 7.1.5“This will surely happen if He sees that the repentant person’s heart is pure from every evil deed. It benefits you and your household to be afflicted now. Why say much more to you? You must be afflicted, as that angel of the Lord who handed you over to me commanded. Thank the Lord for this too: He considered you worthy to have the affliction disclosed beforehand, so that, knowing it in advance, you might endure it with strength.”
Similitude 7.1.6I said to him, “Sir, be with me, and I will be able to endure every affliction.” “I will be with you,” he said. “I will also ask the punishing angel to afflict you more lightly. You will be afflicted only a little while, and then be restored to your household. Only persevere in humility and service to the Lord with a wholly pure heart—you, your children, and your household. Walk in the commandments I give you, and your repentance will be able to be strong and pure.
Similitude 7.1.7“If you keep them with your household, every affliction will leave you. Affliction will also leave everyone,” he said, “who walks in these commandments of mine.”
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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.