Vigils Reading – 33rd Sunday

BY PATIENT ENDURANCE

From a commentary by Nilus of Ancyra

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In time of trial it is of great profit to us patiently to endure for God’s sake,

for the Lord says: By patient endurance you will win life for yourselves. He did

not say by your fasting, or your solitude or silence, or your singing of psalms,

although all these are helpful in saving your soul. But he said: By patient

endurance in every trial that overtakes you, and in every affliction, whether this

be insolent and contemptuous treatment, or any kind of disgrace, either small

or great; whether it be bodily weakness, or the belligerent attacks of Satan, or

any trial whatsoever caused either by other people or by evil spirits.

By patient endurance you will win life for yourselves, although to this

must be added wholehearted thanksgiving and prayer, and humility. For you

must be ready to bless and praise your benefactor, God the Savior of the world,

who disposes all things, good or otherwise, for your benefit.

The apostle writes: With patient endurance we run the race of faith set

before us. For what has more power than virtue? What more firmness or

strength than patient endurance? Endurance, that is, for God’s sake. This is the

queen of virtues, the foundation of virtue, a haven of tranquility. It is peace in

time of war, calm in rough waters, safety amidst treachery and danger. It makes

those who practice it stronger than steel. No weapons or brandished bows, no

turbulent troops or advancing seige engines, no flying spears or arrows can

shake it. Not even the host of evil spirits, nor the dark array of hostile powers,

nor the devil himself standing by with all his armies and devices will have power

to injure the man or woman who has acquired this virtue through Christ.