Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 9, Chapter 2
An Ancient Rock with a Newly Cut Gate
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Similitude 9.2.1In the middle of the plain he showed me a great white rock rising from the plain. The rock was higher than the mountains and square, so that it could contain the whole world.
Similitude 9.2.2That rock was ancient, with a gateway cut into it, but the cutting of the gateway appeared recent to me. The gateway shone so much more brightly than the sun that I marveled at its brilliance.
Similitude 9.2.3Around the gateway stood twelve virgins. The four who stood at the corners seemed more glorious to me, though the others were glorious too. They stood on the four sides of the gateway, with two virgins between each of them.
Similitude 9.2.4They wore linen tunics and were becomingly girded, with their right shoulders bare, as though about to carry a burden. Thus they stood ready, for they were very cheerful and eager.
Similitude 9.2.5After seeing these things, I marveled within myself, because I was seeing great and glorious things. Again I was perplexed about the virgins, because, though they were so delicate, they stood courageously, as though about to carry the whole heaven.
Similitude 9.2.6The shepherd said to me, “Why do you reason within yourself and become perplexed, bringing sorrow upon yourself? Since you have understanding, do not attempt what you cannot comprehend, but ask the Lord, so that, receiving understanding, you may comprehend it.
Similitude 9.2.7You cannot see what is behind you, but you see what is before you. Leave alone, then, what you cannot see, and do not torment yourself. Master what you see, and do not meddle with the rest. I will disclose to you everything that I show you. Look, then, at what remains.”
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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.