What Rises in the Heart

Desire, Accusation, and the Call to Pray · Shepherd of Hermas 1

Story guide: The woman’s warning is followed by coins and a chain, symbols of wealth and captivity in a visual essay.

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2She laughed and says to me, "Evil desire has risen up into your heart. Or does it not seem to you to be a wicked thing for a righteous man if evil desire rises into his heart? It is indeed a sin—and a great one, she says. For a righteous man plans what is righteous. Therefore, in planning what is righteous, his glory is established in the heavens, and he has the Lord readily reconciled in every matter of his. But those who plan evil in their hearts bring upon themselves death and captivity—especially those who secure this present age for themselves, who exult in their wealth, and who do not hold fast to the good things that are coming.

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