The Law occupies many chapters in the Book of Exodus. The Lord emphasised keeping, memorising and always following the Law; “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9), as the Law organises our relationship with God and man.
The Law is the word of God, written with His Finger (Exodus 31:18), keeping it preserves us from sin and stumbling blocks during our journey in the wilderness of life. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).
It is the pleasure of the souls; “But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2). “And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love” (Psalm 119:47); and “Oh, I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97).
It gives knowledge and wisdom to whoever learns it; “I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.” (Psalm 119:100).
It purifies one’s heart and gives us life “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3); “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63).
After settling down in the wilderness, the spiritual father sets a system for the novice to follow in reading the Holy Bible, from both Testaments, as the Bible is very important in a monk’s life, in his prayers and meditations. It is his daily spiritual meal with different parts from the Old and the New Testament. Reading the Holy Bible daily helps the monk to get in contact with God and allows the monk to get closer to God. If the person reads the Bible from his heart in awe, with prayers and in humility, he will definitely hear God’s voice, receive guidance and be inspired. Besides the Holy Bible other spiritual books are recommended by the spiritual father, like the lives of the Fathers and their sayings.
There is a famous phrase of St Isaac; “the lives of the saints are so sweet to the ears of the humble, they are like water for new plants”. Also; “he who neglects reading the Holy Bible and the spiritual books would never be ashamed when he sins”. St Anthony says: “Tire yourself in reading the Holy Books, for they will deliver you from impurity” and “Read the Holy Bible and spiritual books, thus God’s mercy will come upon you quickly”. Also “In your cell always do these things; read the books, plead to God and do some handwork.”
