People sit when they disparage, but they stand when they bless the Lord, to whom it is said, Behold, now bless you the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord. One who sits (to speak of the bodily habit) is, as it were, unnerved, when the body is idle and when he relaxes the tension of his mind. But a cautious watchman, an active searcher, a wide-awake guard before the camp, stands. The soldier on duty, who wishes to anticipate the enemy’s designs, stands in the battle line before he is expected.

CASSIODORUS: But notice what Lift up means: Give alms more generously, for the Lord not only demands pious words from us, but also deeds. He added, in the sanctuary, so that the hand of a Christian may produce the alms. For if heretics or pagans give alms, their hands are not lifted up in the sanctuary, inasmuch as Christ accepts only those very alms that a faithful Christian offers to his name. Nonetheless, lest someone arrogate anything to himself, he says that one ought to bless the Lord while doing this act, since he himself grants both a merciful mind and abundant wealth. Thus he teaches that the love of the Lord ought to be fulfilled with sacred praises and pious deeds. When these things have been accomplished, see how a worthy reward follows.