Statute 11

1Thomas said: O my son, love as the apple of your eye the one who spoke to you the word of God, which became for you the cause of life, and who gave you the signet-ring of honor. Remember him by day and by night, and honor him as God Most High. For wherever people remember the name of God, God is there.

2Also visit the other holy ones every day, so that you may rest upon their word. Whoever approaches the holy will become holy like them. Honor them as much as you can. Sustain them both by your toil and by the work of your hands, since God has made you worthy to receive from them spiritual sustenance, bodily sustenance, and eternal life. It is therefore proper for you to give them the perishable food of this world, because, “The laborer is worthy of his wages”; “You shall not muzzle the ox on the threshing floor”; and “Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit?”