The Great Canon Á-? On Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent - Page 36 of 59
3.
You, my soul, have emulated Samson's easy-going laxity;
you have shorn the glory of your deeds, and by love of
pleasure have surrendered to the Philistines a chaste and
blessed life.
(Judges 14)
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
4.
He who conquered the Philistines with an ass's jawbone is
now found to be a dissolute slave of passionate intercourse.
But avoid, my soul, his example, his action, his laxity.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they shall be filled.
5.
Barak and Jephthah, military leaders, with manly-minded
Deborah, were promoted to be Judges of Israel. Learn
courage from their heroic deeds, my soul, and master
yourself.
(Judges 4:11)
Blessed are the merciful, for the shall obtain mercy.
6.
You know, my soul, of Jael's bravery, who impaled Sisera
of old and wrought salvation with a tent-peg, by which (are
you listening?) the Cross is typified to you.
(Judges 5)
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
7.
Offer the sacrifice of praise, my soul, offer action as a
daughter purer than Jephthah's, and slay your carnal
passions as a sacrifice to your Lord.
(Judges 11)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
children of God.
8.
Think, my soul, of Gideon's fleece. Receive the dew from
Heaven; stoop down like a dog and drink the water that flows
from the Law by the pressure of study.
(Judges 6-8)