God is waiting

With these (admonitions) concluded, the Lord is waiting daily for us to respond by our deeds to his holy guidance. Therefore, in order that we may amend our evil ways, the days of our lives have been lengthened as a reprieve, as the Apostle says: Do you not know that the patience of God is leading you to repentance? (Romans 2:4) For the loving Lord says: I do not desire the death of a sinner, but that he should be converted and live. (Ezek. 33:11)

Since then brethren, we have asked of the Lord who is to dwell iin his tent, we have heard his commands to those who are to abide there, it remains for us to complete the duties of those who dwell there. Our hearts, therefore, and our bodies must be prepared in fight in holy obedience to his commands. And let us ask God to supply by the help of his grace what by nature is hardly possible to us. And if we wish to reach eternal life, escaping the pains of hell, then -- while there is yet time, while we are still in the flesh and are able to fulfil all these things by the light which is given us -- we must run and perform now what will profit us for eternity.


Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue v. 35-44