Shepherd of Hermas — Vision 3, Chapter 9
The Rich Who Would Not Share Their Bread
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Vision 3.9.1“Hear me, children. I raised you in great simplicity, innocence, and reverence, through the mercy of the Lord who rained righteousness upon you, so that you might be justified and sanctified from all wickedness and all crookedness. But you do not wish to cease from your wickedness.
Vision 3.9.2“Now, therefore, hear me: be at peace among yourselves, visit one another, and support one another. Do not partake of God’s creatures lavishly by yourselves, but share also with those in need.
Vision 3.9.3“For some draw sickness upon their flesh from an abundance of food and damage their flesh, while the flesh of those who have no food is damaged because they do not have enough nourishment, and their body wastes away.
Vision 3.9.4“This lack of balance, then, is harmful to you who have possessions and do not share with those in need.
Vision 3.9.5“Watch for the judgment that is coming. Therefore, you who have abundance, seek out the hungry while the tower is not yet completed. For after the tower has been completed, you will wish to do good, but will have no opportunity.
Vision 3.9.6“So watch yourselves, you who exult in your wealth, lest those in need groan, their groaning rise to the Lord, and you be shut outside the tower’s door together with your goods.
Vision 3.9.7“Now I speak to you who lead the Church and occupy the foremost seats: do not become like poisoners. Poisoners carry their poisons in boxes, but you carry your poison and venom in your heart.
Vision 3.9.8“You have become hardened and do not wish to cleanse your hearts and unite your understanding in a pure heart, so that you may receive mercy from the great King.
Vision 3.9.9“Therefore watch yourselves, children, lest these divisions deprive you of your life.
Vision 3.9.10“How do you wish to instruct the Lord’s chosen ones when you yourselves lack instruction? Therefore instruct one another and be at peace among yourselves, so that I too may stand cheerfully before the Father and give an account to the Lord for all of you.”
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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.