Scripture Quotations

Father Job and the Use of Scripture

The following scripture quotations are found in the first Holy Rule that Father Job wrote for the School Sisters of Notre Dame. His love of God’s Word is evident in the abundance of scripture found in this small booklet. As you read through the text consider any similarity with those quotations that Mother Theresa included in her own writing. May you tap the “sturdy roots” of biblical wisdom found in the documents of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Below is a listing of the books of the Bible to select from. Each contains citations sharing the following information:

  • Scripture Text Cited, Date of Letter or NA (Not Available)
  • Text from Letter Itself
  • Number of Letter, Recipient of Letter

Hebrew Scripture

  • Genesis

    Genesis 3:16, Job

    To the woman God’s finger now directs us: to her He confines us at present. Though woman herself does not crush the serpent’s head, He that will do so is her offspring.
    p. 5, Introduction Sisters

  • Exodus

    Exodus 17:11, Job quoting Wittmann

    “Neither for Church nor State shall better times come, until communities will again be established, whose devout members, praying upon the mountain with uplifted hands, will struggle and contend with the invisible powers of darkness, while in the valley below, the children of Israel battle with visible weapons, against visible foes.”
    p. 47, Spirit of the Constitution

  • Psalms

    Psalm 123:2, Job
    Matthew 5:3

    The handmaid and servant should not fare better than her Lord and Master; she should rather rejoice to share His lot which was ever that of poverty and privation. Nowhere does our Lord say, ‘Blessed are the rich’ but ‘Blessed are the poor.’
    p. 12, Poverty Sisters

  • Proverbs

    Proverbs 10:19, Job

    “In the multitude of words, there shall not want sin.”
    p. 50, Silence Sisters

    Proverbs 3:3, Job

    “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his soul.”
    p. 50, Silence Sisters

    Proverbs 16:18, Job

    Pride goeth before destruction: and the spirit is lifted up before a fall.
    p. 35, Religious Vows -Chastity Sisters

    Proverbs 31:10, Job

    Every young maiden leaving your schools shall bear within her the elementary principles, the fruitful germ of the valiant woman so beautifully depicted by the Holy Spirit in the Book of Wisdom.
    p. 17, School Sisters

  • Ecclesiastes

    Ecclesiastes 3:7, Job

    There is accordingly, “A time to keep silence and a time to speak.”
    Silence sanctified and properly regulated, is the mother of devotion, peace of mind and many other virtues.
    p. 50, Silence Sisters

  • Song of Songs

    Song of Songs 4:12, Job

    This hidden life the Holy Ghost seeks in His spouse, saying, “My sister, my spouse is a garden enclosed, a fountain sealed up.”
    p. 45, Enclosure Sisters

  • Ecclesiasticus

    Ecclesiasticus 28:22, Job

    “Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not as many as have perished by their own tongue.”
    p. 50, Silence Sisters

    Ecclesiasticus 28:20, Job

    “Make a balance for your words,” in order to weigh them well before utterance. Do this especially on receiving visits from externs. Scarcely ever will you return to your cell, on such occasions, without some remorse of conscience.
    p. 51, Silence Sisters

  • Isaiah

    Isaiah 30:15, Job

    An excellent penance, most pleasing to God, is furthermore, the restraint of the tongue. Be assiduous, therefore, in the observance of silence. “In silence and in hope shall your strength be.”
    p. 49, Mortification Sisters

    Isaiah 32:17, Job

    “The work of justice shall be peace, and the service of justice quietness and security forever.”
    p. 50, Silence Sisters

    Isaiah 40:4, Job

    But the intimate union was not alone visible in spiritual matters and exercise; it showed itself as well in their external affairs; it removed mountains, brought hills low, filled up the valleys, made the rough ways plain and the crooked straight.”
    p. 27, Sisterhood Sisters

    Isaiah 49:15, Job

    In time and eternity, I shall be mindful before God of this new Religious Institution, commending it to His paternal goodness. “Can a mother forget her infant? And if she could forget, yet will I not forget” you, Poor School Sisters, nor forget your school.
    Appendix Sisters

  • Jeremiah

    Jeremiah 48:10, Job

    Cursed be he that doeth the works of God deceitfully.
    p. 42, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

    Jeremiah 31:29, Job
    Ezechial 18:2

    “The fathers have eaten sour grapes;” and in our days we behold effects rapidly succeeding their causes; for not only “the teeth of the children are set on edge,” but many a wretched father has experienced the same sad result.
    p. 4, Introduction Sisters

Christian Scripture

  • Matthew

    Matthew 4:17, Job

    Do penance for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
    p. 48, Mortification Sisters

    Matthew 5:3, Job

    Among the comparatively few wealthy persons who are instruments in the glorious designs of God, we find the greater number have hearkened to the call ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’
    p. 11, Poverty Sisters

    Matthew 5:19, Job

    And He Himself declares of those who, following His example, teach in His name: “Whosoever shall do and teach he shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.”
    p. 15, School Sisters

    Matthew 5:37, Job

    “But let your speech be yea, yea; no, no: and that which is ever and above these, is of evil.
    p. 50, Silence Sisters

    Matthew 6:10, Job

    All that belong to it will only what God wills, and thus become holy and happy -As the will of God is done in Heaven, so should it be done on earth.
    p. 40, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

    1) Matthew 6:19, Job
    2) Matthew 6:20-21
    3) Matthew 25:31

    1) Therefore we should not seek the things of earth but with gaze fixed steadily on that which is above, 2) we should strive to lay up treasures that are lasting, 3) in that abode where Christ sitteth at the right hand of the Father in the glory of God. No paltry tinsel does He offer as reward; in His celestial kingdom, all is true, real, eternal.
    p. 12, Poverty Sisters

    1) Matthew 7:29, Job
    2) John 17:8
    3) Acts 1:1

    Observe what is written of our Savior. 1)”Who was teaching as one having power,” not as the Scribes and Pharisees; 2) who was sent by the Father as the Teacher of the world.
    3) “Jesus began to do and to teach.”
    p. 15, School Sisters

    Matthew 9:37, Job

    Laborers in the vineyard of the Lord these religious are to be, and such laborers thrive most securely under the shelter and at the frugal table of poverty.
    p. 12, Poverty Sisters

    Matthew 10:37, Job

    Let your motto be: “He that loveth father, or mother more than me, is not worthy of me.”
    p. 51, Silence Sisters

    Matthew 11:28-30, Job

    Besides assisting at Holy Mass, there is no exercise more pleasing to God or more salutary for the support and spread of your religious congregation then the Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The Senior Sisters, after having borne “the burden of the day and the heat thereof” on their laborious Missions, might especially enjoy this consolation, spending the evening of life in their Motherhouse at the feet of Jesus.”
    p. 48, Mortification Sisters

    Matthew 11:30, Job

    Good Sisters, love the little ones and I repeat it, your burthen will become sweet and light.
    p. 19, School Sisters

    Matthew 12:36, Job

    “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it in the day of judgment.”
    p. 50, Silence Sisters

    Matthew 15:18, Job

    How can you awaken and excite the love of God in the tender minds of children if your hearts be not filled with the same? The mouth speaketh the fullness of the heart.”
    p. 17, School Sisters

    Matthew 15:32, Job

    Did not St. Vincent of Paul succeed in giving the Soeurs Grises such rule and organization that their congregation can spread to villages and country parishes, without disadvantage to their internal unity?
    “I HAVE COMPASSION ON THE MULTITUDE.”
    p. 6, Introduction Sisters

    1) Matthew 18:5, Job
    2) Matthew 25:40
    3) Hebrews 4:12

    From the lips of the Son of God, the Eternal Truth fell these sublime and delectable words: 1) “Whosoever shall receive a child in my name, receiveth me.” And 2) “What you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me.” It was this declaration of Our Lord that penetrated the soul of the saintly Bishop Wittmann 3) like a two-edged sword, becoming life and spirit within him and rendering him the Jerome Aemilian of our time.
    p. 20, School Sisters

    Matthew 18:19-20, Job

    “If two of you shall consent upon earth concerning anything whatsoever they shall ask, it shall be done to them by my Father who is in heaven. For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
    p. 46, Enclosure Sisters

    Matthew 19:13-14, Job

    Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for the kingdom of Heaven is for such.”
    p. 19, School Sisters

    Matthew 19:17, Job

    If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
    p. 43, Religious Vows Sisters

    Matthew 19:21, Job

    “If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come follow me, and voluntarily become poor for the sake of the heavenly kingdom.
    p. 11, Poverty Sisters

    Matthew 19:21, Job

    Come, follow me!
    p. 41, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

    Matthew 19:21, Job

    While attending to these external duties, The One Thing Necessary, however must precede and accompany every exercise prescribed by the incomparably beautiful Rule of Life which your boarding pupils observe.
    p. 22, School Sisters

    Matthew 19:28-29, Job

    Behold we have left all things, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? Amen, I say to you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of Man shall sit on the seat of His majesty, you also shall sit on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or land for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.”
    p. 32, Religious Vows Sisters

    Matthew 22:30, Job

    They shall be as angels of heaven.
    p. 34, Religious Vows – Chastity Sisters

    Matthew 23:27, Job

    Mere school-teaching, without practical training in piety and religion, can exert no beneficial influence, and a school of this type resembles a whited sepulcher, from which corpses come forth to fill the air with the pestilential odor of corruption.
    p. 8, Introduction Sisters

    1) Matthew 25:1
    2) Luke 1:29
    3) Matthew 1:20
    4) Luke 2:8
    5) Matthew 1:1
    6) Luke 2:29
    7) Luke 11:38
    8) John 11:44
    9) John 13:23
    10) Psalm 45:2

    In the school-room a constant spiritual traffic is carried on between teacher and pupils. You love
    1) Jesus, your Divine Spouse:
    2) you extol Mary as happiest of virgins,
    3) happy, likewise, St. Joseph,
    4) the Shepherds,
    5) the Magi,
    6) the aged Simeon;
    7) those favored sisters, Mary and Martha,
    8) their resuscitated brother Lazarus,
    9) the disciple St. John, all those privileged souls who had the delight to behold with mortal eye,
    10) the most beautiful among the sons of men , to take Him into their arms, to press Him to their hearts to wash and kiss His sacred feet, to extend Him hospitality, to sit at His feet, or even repose on His bosom. This blessed privilege kind Heaven accords you, too, dear sisters.
    p. 20, School Sisters

    1) Matthew 25:35, Job
    2) Matthew 25:36
    3) Matthew 25:40

    What urged this good shepherd, (Bishop Wittmann) amid the pressure of manifold cares, to seek so eagerly these lambkins of his flock? It was the love of Christ, the ardent desire to bring
    1) and break for Him who hungered in these little ones, the bread of life;
    2) to clothe Him, in the destitute;
    3) to provide for Him in caring for orphans.
    p. 21, School Sisters

    Matthew 26:41, Job

    Once more, dear Sisters, “Watch and pray.”
    p. 35, Religious Vows – Chastity Sisters

    Matthew 26:42, Job

    O my Father, if this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it, thy will be done.
    p. 40, Vow of Obedience Sisters

  • Mark

    Mark 1:15, Job

    Do penance for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
    p. 38, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

  • Luke

    Luke 1:38, Job

    A virgin who can truly say, in the presence of God and His holy angels: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word,” is another Mary.
    p. 39, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

    Luke 5:32, Job

    “I came not to call the just but sinners to penance.”
    p. 48, Mortification Sisters

    Luke 7:22-23, Job

    Shall, then, poor people in villages and country places receive no attention? Are they not, too, sadly in need of the blessings and consolations conferred by solid Christian education? Must not, wheresoever true Christianity flourishes, the Savior’s words be verified, “The poor have the Gospel preached to them?”
    p. 6, Introduction Sisters

    Luke 9:58, Job

    He (Jesus) became so poor that He could say: “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”
    p. 11, Poverty Sisters

    Luke 9:62, Job

    “No man putting his hand to the plow (the service of God) and looking back (to the concerns of the world) is fit for the kingdom of God.”
    p. 51, Silence Sisters

    Luke 9:62, Job

    Whosoever seeks and desires, here on earth, more than bread and raiment, whosoever devotes himself to the service of God and His Church, “Putting hand to the plow and looking back, is not fit for the kingdom of God.”
    p. 11, Poverty Sisters

    Luke 10:16, Job

    As obedience is the most excellent of the three Vows of Religion and the words of our Lord, “He that heareth you, heareth me,” apply to your superiors, always regard in their persons Christ Himself.
    p. 41, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

    Luke 10:18, Job

    The angels rebelled against the supreme dominion of the Creator, and what was the result? Heaven expelled them, and amid the realms of creatures, there arose that of hell, peopled by reprobate angels -by devils. The chief among them, Lucifer.
    p. 36, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

    Luke 11:33, Job

    By doing and teaching in school, the teacher is placed “upon a candlestick,” and wherefore? That she may give light to all that attend. So let your light shine before children, that they may witness the fear of God and the practice of virtue in your behavior and praise their and your Father who is in Heaven.
    p. 15, School Sisters

    Luke 12:24-27, Job

    Poor School Sisters will be welcome and secure everywhere. A jealous world would be tempted to envy, condemn, plunder, expel them, were they possessed of wealth. Poverty, trusting in God, lives cheerful and happy under the protection of His paternal hand, knowing as little of care and anxiety as the bird on the tree, or the flower of the field. Poverty always and everywhere meets with sympathy and compassion, readily obtaining assistance, because but little is required to satisfy its wants.
    p. 12-13, Poverty Sisters

    Luke 14:26-17, Job

    If any man come to me and hate not his father, and mother and wife or children and brethren and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesses, cannot be my disciple.
    p. 34, Religious Vows – Chastity Sisters

    Luke 16:10, Job

    He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful in that which is greater – and he that is unjust in that which is little, is unjust also in that which is greater.
    p. 42, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

  • John

    John 1:12, Job

    Praise Jesus Christ, who has given you power to become children of God, infusing His love into your hearts by the Holy Ghost.
    p. 25, Sisterhood Sisters

    John 2:3, Job

    Poor virgins alone have a claim upon her protection. Aye, if want begins to be felt – especially want that proceeds from an excess of charity, by inviting guests to the marriage feast, without due provision – then Mary, unasked, will say to Jesus: ‘Son, they have no wine – no bread.’
    p. 13, Poverty Sisters

    John 13:16, Job

    Bear in mind that, after the example of your heavenly Spouse, you have come to serve, not to rule.
    p. 29, Sisterhood Sisters

    John 13:35, Job

    For the divine favor will attend your labors and thus it will be known that you are true disciples of Christ, because you love one another.
    p. 29, Sisterhood Sisters

    John 15:4-5, Job

    Our Savior declares to His apostles as well as to all engaged in apostolic labors: “Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine; so neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.
    p. 18, School Sisters

    John 15:6, Job

    Woe to the Christian! Woe, in particular, to the laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, who severs himself from Christ, the Vine, or who is merely attached to Him by a loose external bond! He will be cut off, as a withering branch, and cast into the fire.
    p. 18, School Sisters

    1) John 16:13, Job
    2) 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

    1)Would you have the Holy Ghost abide in you, and the love of God poured forth into your hearts, so that from your own abundance the hearts of children may be replenished; would you be so richly endowed with grace and strength, that no one can resist the wisdom of the Holy Spirit speaking through you,
    2) then you must be sound and living members of the body of Christ, that is of His holy Church; for the Spirit of Christ animates the body of Christ and the members thereof, as long as they remain attached, just as my body and its members are animated by my soul.
    p. 18, School Sisters

    1) John 17:11, Job
    2) John 17:20-21

    He raised His voice and prayed thus:
    1) “Holy Father, keep them in my name, whom thou hast given me: that they may be one, as we also are.”
    2) And not for them only do I pray, but for them also who through their word shall believe in me: that they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
    p. 25, Sisterhood Sisters

  • Acts

    Acts 2:42, Job

    The members of a body – a spiritual corporation, having but one heart and one soul, must pray with one voice.
    p. 46, Enclosure Sisters

    Acts 2:44, Job

    The first Christian community at Jerusalem shall serve throughout all ages, as the type, model, ideal of every religious congregation. Take the Scriptures and read: “All they that believed were together, and had all things in common.”
    p. 26, Sisterhood Sisters

    Acts 2:44, Job

    “And all they that believed were together, and had all things in common.”
    p. 27, Sisterhood Sisters

    Act 2:46-47, Job

    This St. Luke testifies: “And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they took their meat with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.”
    p. 27, Sisterhood Sisters

    Acts 2:46, 47, Job

    “They took their meat with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.”
    p. 28, Sisterhood Sisters

    Act 4:32, Job

    When they assembled for prayer, the Word of God – clothed in psalms and canticles – arose heavenward in His praise as from one mouth – one heart. “And the multitude of believers had but one heart and one soul.”
    p. 27, Sisterhood Sisters

    Acts 4:32, 34, Job

    “Neither did anyone say that aught of the things possessed was his own; but all things were common unto them.”
    p. 27, Sisterhood Sisters

    Acts 4:34-35, Job

    “For as many as were owners of land or houses, sold them and brought the price of the things they sold and laid it down before the feet of the Apostles. And distribution was made to every one according as he had need.”
    p. 27, Sisterhood Sister

  • Romans

    Romans 5:17-19, Job

    For if by one man’s offence death reigned through one: much more they who receive abundance of grace, and of the gift, and of justice, shall reign in life through one Jesus Christ. Therefore, as by the offence of one, unto all men to condemnation: so also by the justice of one unto all men to justification of life. For as by the disobedience of one man, many were made sinners: so also by the obedience of one, many shall be made just.” From the doctrines of the holy Fathers, I add: “As by the disobedience of one woman, the way was opened to sin and reprobation; so also by the obedience of one woman, the path to grace and salvation.”
    p. 37, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

  • 1 Corinthians

    1) 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Job
    2) John 15:4-5
    3) Matt. 22:37-38

    Poor School Sisters,
    1) if your labor of planting and watering in the young garden of God is not to be a vain and futile effort: if the young plants and trees are to flourish at your hands, – you must live and labor in, with, and for God.
    2) If, like sound and hardy vine-branches, you desire to produce good fruit, you must remain united with the Vine, that from Christ, you may derive sustenance, life and strength,
    3) clinging to Him with your whole heart and soul, mind and strength.
    p. 18, School Sisters

    1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Job

    “Neither he that planteth is anything nor he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase, writes the Apostle who wrought and suffered most for the cause of Jesus Christ.”
    p. 18, School Sisters

    1 Corinthians 9:27, Job

    If St. Paul, the Vessel of Election, says of himself: “I chastise my body and bring it into subjection, lest, perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway,” then, indeed you, Poor School Sisters, living in similar circumstances, while engaged in the education of the dear little ones, cannot and will not exempt yourselves from doing penance.
    p. 49, Mortification Sisters

    1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Job

    Charity is valiant, patient, kind; charity seeketh not its own advantage, nor alloweth itself to become embittered; charity beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
    p. 21, School Sisters

  • 2 Corinthians

    2 Corinthians 1:3, Job

    “Praised be God, the Father of mercies and God of all consolation, the Father of Light that illumines all men who love not darkness more than light! It dawns! Increasing brightness proclaims the final return of day, succeeding a long and fearful night.”
    p. 3, Introduction – opening sentence
    Sisters

    2 Corinthians 8:9, Job

    Now, if this new religious community is to bear impress, and to legitimate itself as the fruit of his spirit, (Bishop Wittmann’s) poverty must be the basis, the fundamental trait of this new cloister. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor for your sakes, that through his poverty you might be rich.”
    p. 11, Poverty Sisters

    2 Corinthians 9:7 Job

    God loveth a cheerful giver.
    p. 43, Religious Vows Sisters

  • Philippians

    Philippians 2:5-9, Job

    For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but emptied himself taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men and in habit found as man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted him.”
    p. 38, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

    Philippians 2:8, Job

    He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to death of the Cross.
    p. 40, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

  • Colossians

    Colossians 3:3, Job

    You are dead: and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
    p. 45, Safeguard of the Vows
    Enclosure Sisters

  • 1 Thessalonians

    1 Thessalonians 5:17, Job

    Chastity being a gift of God, let me earnestly admonish you, “Pray without ceasing.”
    p. 35, Religious Vows-Chastity Sisters

  • Hebrews

    Hebrews 10:9, Job

    Behold I come to do thy will, O God!
    p. 40, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

  • James

    James 3:6, Job

    “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is placed among our members which defileth the whole body, and inflameth the wheel of our nativity, being set on fire by hell.”
    p. 50, Silence Sisters

    James 3:8, Job

    “But the tongue no man can tame: an unquiet evil, full of deadly poison.”
    p. 50, Silence Sisters

  • Revelation

    Revelation 12:7, Job

    Because St. Michael stands at the head of the good angels.Because this name reminds us of that man of God – Michael Wittmann – to whom, after God, this new congregation owed its origin and existence.
    (This charge was faithfully executed).
    Appendix

    Revelation 3:16, Job

    Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth.
    p. 42, The Vow of Obedience Sisters

  • Not Attributed

    NA, Job

    Teachers and educators will then continue the work of God with the best success in each of their pupils, if it may be asserted of each, “He imbibed the spirit of piety with his mother’s milk.”
    p. 5, Introduction Sisters

    NA, Job

    No one can give what she has not.
    p. 17, School Sisters