In the Lord's field, most beloved, of which we are the laborers, we must prudently and vigilantly exercise spiritual cultivation, so that by persevering industry, taking care of those things which are to be carried out at the lawful seasons, we may rejoice in the harvest of holy works. If these be neglected through lazy idleness and inert sloth, our land will bring forth nothing of noble seed, and, overgrown with thorns and briers, will produce not what is to be stored in barns, but what is to be burned in the flames. But this field, most beloved, with the grace of God bedewing it from above, is fortified by faith, exercised by fastings, sown with alms, made fruitful by prayers, so that among our plantings and waterings no root of any bitterness may sprout up, nor the increases of any noxious stock rise up;
but, with the seed of all vices killed off, a glad crop of virtues may grow together. To which diligence piety indeed exhorts us at every time, but in these days which are more especially appointed for this work, greater spiritedness and a more fervent care must be aroused, lest what is not commanded be a pious thing to do, while it be impious to neglect what is preached. The fast of the tenth month, therefore, for which we know your charity to be prepared with a religious purpose, we exhort to be celebrated unanimously, with Christ's help, admonishing that each one, according to the measure of ability which he has received from God, may exert himself in good works.
For our enemies also, who are tormented by our sanctification, in these days which they know to be appointed for us for a greater observance, rage more vehemently and lie in wait with subtler cunning; so that some, by instilling a fear of poverty over the expense of liberality, and others, by injecting a sadness over the labor of fasting, may draw very many away from the fellowship of this devotion. Against these temptations, most beloved, let the intent of a pious heart be watchful in us, and let thoughts of mistrust be driven from Christian minds. For little is what suffices the poor man. Neither his food nor his clothing is burdensome. Cheap is that which he hungers for; cheap is that which he thirsts for, and the nakedness that has need asks to be covered, not adorned.
And yet our Lord, so devout a judge of our works, so kindly an appraiser, that even for a cup of cold water He will render a reward. And because He is a just inspector of hearts, He will requite not only the outlay of the work, but also the affection of the one who works, through Christ our Lord.