And Whether We Be Afflicted, It Is For Your Consolation And Salvation: Which Is Wrought In The Enduring Of The Same Suff
HOMILY II
2 COR. 1:6, 7.
AND WHETHER WE BE AFFLICTED, IT IS FOR YOUR CONSOLATION AND SALVATION: WHICH IS WROUGHT IN THE ENDURING OF THE SAME SUFFERINGS WHICH WE ALSO SUFFER.… AND OUR HOPE OF YOU IS STEDFAST.
HAVING spoken of one, and that the chiefest, ground of comfort and consolation, namely, having fellowship [by sufferings] with Christ: he layeth down as second, this which he now mentions, namely, that the salvation of the disciples themselves was procured thereby. “Faint not, therefore, he says, nor be confounded and afraid, because we are afflicted; for this same thing were rather a reason for your being of good cheer: for had we not been afflicted, this had been the ruin of you all.” How, and wherein? For if through lack of spirit and fear of danger we had not preached unto you the word, whereby ye learned the true knowledge, your situation had been desperate. Seest thou again the vehemence and earnest contention of Paul? The very things which troubled them he uses for their comfort. For, saith he, the greater the intensity of our persecutions, the greater should be the increase of your good hope; because that the more abundant also in proportion is your salvation and consolation. For what hath equal force of consolation with this of having obtained such good things through the preaching. Then that he may not seem to be bringing the encomium round to himself alone, see how he maketh them too to share these praises with him. For to the words, Whether we be afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation: he adds, which is wrought in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer. Afterwards, indeed, he states this more clearly, thus saying, As ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also of the consolation; but here also meanwhile he alludes to it in the words, the same sufferings, so making what he says include them. For what he saith is this, “Your salvation is not our work alone, but your own as well; for both we in preaching to you the word endure affliction, and ye in receiving it endure the very same; we to impart to you that which we received, ye to receive what was imparted, and not to let it go.” Now what humility can compare with this, seeing that those who fell so far short of him, he raiseth to the same dignity of endurance? for he saith, Which is wrought in you in the enduring of the same sufferings; for not through believing only cometh your salvation, but also through the suffering and enduring the same things with us. For like as a pugilist is an object of admiration, when he doth but shew himself, and is in good training, and hath his skill within himself, but when he is in action, enduring blows, and striking his adversary, then most of all shineth forth, because that then his good training is most put in action, and the proof of his skill evidently shewn; so truly is your salvation also then more especially put into action, that is, is evidenced, increased, heightened, when it hath endurance, when it suffereth and beareth all things nobly. So then the work of salvation consisteth not in doing evil, but in suffering evil. Moreover he saith not, “which worketh,” but, which is wrought, to shew that, together with their own willingness of mind, grace also which wrought in them did contribute much.
Ver. 7. And our hope of you is stedfast.
That is, though ye should suffer ills innumerable, we are confident that ye will not turn round, either upon your own trials or upon our persecutions. For so far are we from suspecting you of being confounded on account of our sufferings that even when yourselves shall be in peril, we are then confident concerning you.
[2.] Seest thou, how great had been their advance since the former Epistle? For he hath here witnessed of them far greater things than of the Macedonians, whom throughout that Epistle he extolleth and commendeth. For on their [the Macedonians’] account he feared and saith, We sent, unto you, Timotheus … to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith, that no man should be moved by these afflictions, for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. And again: For this cause when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you: and our labour be in vain. But of these [the Corinthians] he saith nothing of this kind, but quite the contrary, Our hope of you is stedfast.
Ver. 6, 7. Or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. Knowing that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also of the consolation.
(2.) That for their sakes the Apostles were afflicted, he shewed when he said, whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation: he wishes also to shew that for their sakes also, they were comforted. He said this indeed even a little above, although somewhat generally, thus; Blessed be God, Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble. He now repeats it here too in other words more clearly and more home to their needs. For whether we be comforted, says he, it is for your comfort. What he means is this; our comfort becometh your refreshment, even though we should not comfort you by word. If we be but a little refreshed, this availeth for encouragement to you; and if we be ourselves comforted, this becometh your comfort. For as ye consider our sufferings your own, so do ye also make our comfort your own. For surely it cannot be, that, when ye share in worse fortune with us, ye will not share in the better. If then ye share in every thing, as in tribulation, so in comfort, ye will in no wise blame us for this delay and slowness in coming, because that both for your sakes we are in tribulation, and for your sakes in comfort. For lest any should think this a hard saying, “for your sakes we thus suffer,” he adds, “for your sakes also we are comforted,” and “not we alone are in peril; for ye also,” saith he, “are partakers of the same sufferings.” Thus then, by admitting them to be partakers in the perils, and ascribing to them the cause of their own comfort, he softeneth what he saith. If then we be beset by craft, be of good cheer; we endure this, that your faith may grow in strength. And if we be comforted, boast yourselves in this also; for we enjoy this too for your sakes, that thereby ye may receive some encouragement, by sharing in our joy. And that the comfort he here speaks of is that they enjoyed, not only from being comforted by themselves, but also from knowing them to be at rest, hear him declaring in what follows next, Knowing that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also of the comfort. For as when we suffer persecution, ye are in distress as though yourselves so suffering; so are we sure, that when we are comforted, ye think the enjoyment also your own. What more humbleminded than this spirit? He who so greatly surpasseth in perils, calleth them “partakers,” who endured no part of them whatever; whilst of the comfort he ascribeth the whole cause to them, not to his own labours.
[3.] Next, having spoken before only generally of troubles, he now maketh mention of the place too where they endured them.
Ver. 8. For we would not, Brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia.
“These things we speak,” saith he, “that ye may not be ignorant of what befell us; for we wish, yea have earnestly endeavoured, that ye should know our affairs:” which is a very high proof of love. Of this even in the former Epistle he had before given notice, where he said, For a great door and effectual is opened to me at Ephesus, and there are many adversaries. Putting them then in mind of this, and recounting how much he suffered, he saith, I would not have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia. And in his Epistle to the Ephesians too he said the same. For having sent Tychicus to them, he gives this as the reason of his journey: whence he saith, But that ye may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things; whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. And in other Epistles also he doeth the very same. Nor is it superfluous, but even exceedingly necessary: both because of his exceeding affection for the disciples, and because of their continual trials; wherein the knowledge of each other’s fortunes was a very great comfort; so that if these were calamitous, they might so be prepared, both to share the anxiety, and to be safer against falling; or if these were good, they might rejoice with them. He here, however, speaketh as well of being delivered from trials, as of being assaulted by them, saying,
We were burthened out of measure above strength. Like a vessel sinking under some mighty burthen. He may seem to have said only one thing here out of measure and above strength: it is, however, not one, but two; for lest one should object, “What then? granting the peril were out of measure, yet it was not great to you;” he added, it both was great, and surpassed our strength, yea, so surpassed it,
That we despaired even of life.
That is, we had no longer any expectation of living. What David calleth the gates of hell, the pangs and the shadow of death, this he expresseth by saying, “We endured peril pregnant with certain death.”
Ver. 9. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.
What is this, the sentence of death? The vote, the judgment, the expectation. For so spake our affairs; our fortunes gave this answer, “We shall surely die.”
(3.) To be sure, this did not come to the proof, but only as far as to our anticipations, and stopped there: for the nature of our affairs did so declare, but the power of God allowed not the declaration to take effect; but permitted it to happen only in our thought, and in the expectation: wherefore he saith, We had the sentence of death in ourselves, not in fact. And wherefore permitted He peril so great as to take away our hope, and cause us to despair? That we should not trust in ourselves, saith he, but in God. These words Paul said, not that this was his own temper. Away with such a thought, but as attuning the rest by what he saith of himself, and in his great care to speak modestly. Whence also further on he saith, There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, (meaning his trials,) lest I should be exalted above measure. And yet God doth not say, that He permitted them for this, but for another reason. What other? That His strength might be the more displayed; For, saith he, My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. But, as I said, he no where forgetteth his own peculiar character, classing himself with those who fall short exceedingly, and stand in need of much discipline and correction. For if one or two trials suffice to sober even ordinary men, how should he, who of all men had most cultivated lowliness of mind his whole life long, and had suffered as no other man did, after so many years, and a practice of wisdom worthy of the heavens, be in need of this admonition? Whence it is plain that, here too, it is from modesty, and to calm down those who thought highly of themselves and boasted, that he thus speaks, That we should not trust in ourselves, but in God.
[4.] And observe how he treateth them tenderly here also. For, saith he, these trials were permitted to come upon us for your sakes; of so great price are ye in God’s sight; for whether we be afflicted, saith he, it is for your consolation and salvation; but they were out of measure for our sake, lest we should be high minded. For we were pressed out of measure and beyond strength that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God that raiseth the dead. He again putteth them in mind of the doctrine of the Resurrection, whereon he said so much in the former Epistle, and confirmeth it from the present circumstances; whence he added,
Ver. 10. Who delivered us from so great deaths.
He said not, “from so great dangers,” at once shewing the insupportable severity of the trials, and confirming the doctrine I have mentioned. For whereas the Resurrection was a thing future, he sheweth that it happeneth every day: for when [God] lifteth up again a man who is despaired of, and hath been brought to the very gates of hell, He sheweth none other thing than a resurrection, snatching out of the very jaws of death him that had fallen into them: whence in the case of those despaired of, and then restored either out of grievous sickness, or insupportable trials, it is an ordinary way of speaking to say, We have seen a resurrection of the dead in his case.
Ver. 10, 11. And we trust that He will yet deliver us; ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
Since the words, that we should not trust in ourselves, might seem to be a common charge and accusation, and to allude to some amongst them; he softeneth again what he said, by calling their prayers a great protection, and at the same time shewing that [this] our life must be throughout a scene of trouble. For in those words, And we trust that He will yet deliver us, he predicts a future sleet of many trials; but still no where aught of being forsaken, but of succour again, and support. Then, lest, on hearing that they were to be continually in perils, they should be cast down, he shewed before the use of perils; for instance, that we should not trust in ourselves; that is, that He may keep us in continual humility, and, that their salvation may be wrought; and many other uses besides; the being partakers with Christ; (for, saith he, the sufferings of Christ abound in us;) the suffering for the faithful; (for, saith he, whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation;) the superior lustre this last should shine with; which, saith he, is wrought [in you] in the enduring of the same sufferings; their being made hardy; and besides all these, that of seeing the resurrection vividly pourtrayed before their eyes: for He hath delivered us from so great deaths; being of an anxious mind, and ever looking unto Him, for, saith he, we trust that He will yet deliver us; its rivetting them to prayers, for he saith, ye also helping together by prayer for us. Thus having shewn the gain of affliction, and then having made them anxious in mind: he anointeth once more their spirits [for the combat], and animates them to virtue by witnessing great things of their prayers, for that to these God had granted Paul; as he saith, Ye helping together by prayer for us. But what is this: That for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf? He delivered us from those deaths, saith he, ye also helping together by prayer; that is, praying all of you for us. For the gift bestowed upon us, that is, our being saved, He was pleased to grant you all, in order that many persons might give Him thanks, because that many also received the boon.
(4.) [5.] And this he said, at once to stir them up to prayer for others, and to use them always to give thanks to God for whatever befalleth others, shewing that He too also willeth this exceedingly. For they that are careful to do both these for others, will much more for themselves shew an example of both. And besides this, he both teacheth them humility, and leadeth on to more fervent love. For if he, who was so high above them, owneth himself to have been saved by their prayers: and that to their prayers himself had been granted as a boon of God, think what their modesty and disposition ought to have been. And observe, I pray you, this also; that even if God doeth any thing in mercy, yet prayer doth mightily contribute thereunto. For at the first he attributed his salvation to His mercies; for “The God of mercies,” he says, Himself “delivered us,” but here to the prayers also. For that on him too that owed the ten thousand talents He had mercy after that he fell at His feet; although it is written, that being moved with compassion, He loosed him. And again to that “woman of Canaan,” it was after that long attendance and importunity of hers, that He finally granted the healing of her daughter, even though of His mercy He healed her. Hereby then we learn, that even though we are to receive mercy, we must first make ourselves worthy of the mercy; for though there be mercy, yet it seeketh out those that are worthy. It will not come upon all without distinction; those even who have no feeling; for He saith, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Observe at least what he saith here, Ye also helping together by prayer. He hath neither ascribed the whole of the good work to them, lest he should lift them up, nor yet deprived them of all share whatever in it, in order to encourage them, and animate their zeal, and bring them together one to another. Whence also he said, “He also granted to you my safety.” For ofttimes also God is abashed by a multitude praying with one mind and mouth. Whence also He said to the prophet, And shall not I spare this city, wherein dwell more than six score thousand persons? Then lest thou think He respecteth the multitude only, He saith, Though the number of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved. How then saved He the Ninevites? Because in their case, there was not only a multitude, but a multitude and virtue too. For each one turned from his evil way. And besides, when He saved them, He said that they discerned not between their right hand and their left hand: whence it is plain that even before, they sinned more out of simpleness than of wickedness: it is plain too from their being converted, as they were, by hearing a few words. But if their being six score thousand were of itself enough to save them, what hindered even before this that they should be saved? And why saith He not to the Prophet, And shall I not spare this city which so turneth itself? but bringeth forward the score thousands. He produceth this also as a reason over and above. For that they had turned was known to the prophet, but he knew not either their numbers or their simpleness. So by every possible consideration he is desirous to soften them. For even greatness of number hath power, when there is virtue withal. And truly the Scripture elsewhere also sheweth this plainly, where it saith, But prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him: and so great power had it, even when the doors were shut, and chains lay on him, and keepers were sleeping by on either side, that it led the Apostle forth, and delivered him from them all. But as, where there is virtue, greatness of number hath mighty power; so where wickedness is, it profiteth nothing. For the Israelites, of whom He saith that the number of them was as the sand of the sea, perished every one, and those too in the days of Noe, were both many, yea, numberless; and yet this profited them nothing. For greatness of number hath no power of itself, but only as an adjunct.
(5.) [6.] Let us then be diligent in coming together to the prayers; and let us pray for one another, as they did for the Apostles. For [so] we both fulfil a commandment, and are “anointed” unto love: (and when I say love, I speak of every good thing:) and also learn to give thanks with more earnestness: for they that give thanks for the things of others, much more will they for their own. This also was David wont to do, saying, Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together; this the Apostle too doth every where require. This let us too labour in; and let us shew forth unto all the beneficence of God, that we may get companions in the act of praise: for if when we have received any good from men, by proclaiming it forth we make them the readier to serve us: much more shall we, by telling abroad the benefits of God, draw Him on to more good-will. And if when we have received benefits of men we stir up others also to join us in the giving of thanks, much more ought we to bring many unto God who may give thanks for us. For if Paul who had so great confidence [toward God] doth this, much more is it necessary for us to do it. Let us then exhort the saints to give thanks for us; and let us do the same ourselves for one another. To priests especially this good work belongs, since it is an exceeding privilege. For drawing near, we first give thanks for the whole world and the good things common [to all]. For even though the blessings of God be common, yet doth the common preservation include thine own; so that thou both owest common thanksgivings for thine own peculiar blessing, and for the common blessings shouldest of right render up thine own peculiar praise: for He lighted up the sun not for thee alone, but also for all in common; but nevertheless thou for thy part hast it whole. For it was made so large for the common good; and yet thou individually seest it as large as all men have seen it; so that thou owest a thanksgiving as great as all together; and thou oughtest to give thanks for what all have in common, and likewise for the virtue of others; for on account of others, too, we receive many blessings; for had there been found in Sodom ten righteous only, they had not suffered what they did. So then let us give thanks also for the confidence of others [toward God]. For this custom is an ancient one, planted in the Church from the beginning. Thus Paul also giveth thanks for the Romans, for the Corinthians, for the whole world. And tell me not, “The good work is none of mine;” for though it be none of thine, yet even so oughtest thou to give thanks that thy member is such an one. And besides, by thy acclamation thou makest it thine own, and sharest in the crown, and shalt thyself also receive the gift. On this account it is that the laws of the Church command prayer also to be thus made, and that not for the faithful only, but also for the Catechumens. For the law stirreth up the faithful to make supplication for the unbaptized. For when the Deacon saith, “Let us pray earnestly for the Catechumens,” he doth no other than excite the whole multitude of the faithful to pray for them; although the Catechumens are as yet aliens. For they are not yet of the Body of Christ, they have not yet partaken of the Mysteries, but are still divided from the spiritual flock. But if we ought to intercede for these, much more for our own members. And even therefore he saith, “earnestly let us pray,” that thou shouldest not as aliens disown them, that thou shouldest not as strangers disregard them. For as yet they have not the appointed prayer, which Christ brought in; as yet they have not confidence, but have need of others’ aid who have been entrusted with the mysteries. For without the king’s courts they stand, far from the sacred precincts. Therefore they are even driven away, whilst those awful prayers are being offered. Therefore also he exhorteth thee to pray for them, that they may become members of thee, that they may be no longer strangers and aliens. For the words, “Let us pray,” are not addressed to the priests alone, but also to those that make up the people: for when he saith, “Let us stand in order: let us pray;” he exhorteth all to the prayer.
[7.] Then beginning the prayer, he saith, “That the all-pitying and merciful God would listen to their prayers.” For that thou mayest not say, What shall we pray? they are aliens, not yet united [to the body]. Whereby can I constrain the regard of God? Whence can I prevail with Him to impart unto them mercy and forgiveness? That thou mayest not be perplexed with such questions as these, see how he disentangleth thy perplexity, saying, “that the all-pitying and merciful God.” Heardest thou? “All-pitying God.” Be perplexed no more. For the All-pitying pitieth all, both sinners and friends. Say not then, “How shall I approach Him for them?” Himself will listen to their prayers. And the Catechumens’ prayer, what can it be but that they may not remain Catechumens? Next, he suggesteth also the manner of the prayer. And what is this? “That He would open the ears of their hearts;” for they are as yet shut and stopped up. “Ears,” he saith, not these which be outward, but those of the understanding, “so as to hear the things which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man.”For they have not heard the untold mysteries; but they stand somewhere at a distance and far off from them; and even if they should hear of them, they know not what is said; for those [mysteries] need much understanding, not hearing only: and the inward ears as yet they have not: wherefore also He next invoketh for them a Prophet’s gift, for the Prophet spoke on this wise; God giveth me the tongue of instruction, that I should know how to speak a word in season; for He openeth my mouth; He gave to me betimes in the morning; He granted me a hearing ear. For as the Prophets heard otherwise and more than the many, so also do the faithful than the Catechumens. Hereby the Catechumen also is taught not to learn or hear these things of men, (for He saith, Call no man master upon the earth,) but from above, from heaven, For they shall be all taught of God.
(6.) Wherefore he says, “And instil them with the word of truth,” so that it may be instilled from within; for as yet they know not the word of truth as they ought to know. “That He would sow His fear in them.” But this is not enough; for some fell by the way side, and some upon the rock. But we ask not thus; but as on rich soil the plough openeth the furrows, so we pray it may be here also, that having the fallow ground of their minds tilled deep, they may receive what is dropped upon them, and accurately retain every thing they have heard. Whence also he adds, “And confirm His faith in their minds;” that is, that it may not lie on the surface, but strike its root deep downwards. “That He would unveil to them the Gospel of Righteousness.” He sheweth that the veil is twofold, partly that the eyes of their understanding were shut, partly that the Gospel was hidden from them. Whence he said a little above, “that He would open the ears of their hearts,” and here, “that He would unveil unto them the Gospel of Righteousness;” that is, both that He would render them wise and apt for receiving seed, and that He would teach them and drop the seed into them; for though they should be apt, yet, if God reveal not, this profiteth nothing; and if God should unveil, but they receive not, there resulteth like unprofitableness. Therefore we ask for both: that He would both open their hearts and unveil the Gospel. For neither, if kingly ornaments lie underneath a veil, will it profit at all that the eyes be looking; nor yet that they be laid bare, if the eyes be not waking. But both will be granted, if first they themselves desire it. But what then is “the Gospel of Righteousness?” That which maketh righteous. By these words he leadeth them to the desire of Baptism, shewing that the Gospel is for the working not only of the remission of sins, but also of righteousness.
[8.] “That He would grant to them a Godly mind, sound judgment, and virtuous conversation.” Let such of the faithful attend, as are rivetted to the things of [this] life. For if we are bidden to ask these things for the uninitiated: think in what things we ought to be occupied, who ask these things for others. For the conversation ought to keep pace with the Gospel. Whence surely also the order of the prayer shifts from the doctrines [of the Gospel] to the conversation: for to the words, “that He would unveil to them the Gospel of Righteousness;” it hath added, “that He would give unto them a Godly mind.” And what is this “Godly?” That God may dwell in it. For He saith, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; for when the mind is become righteous, when it hath put off its sins, it becometh God’s dwelling. But when God indwelleth, nothing of man will be left. And thus doth the mind become Godly, speaking every word from Him, even as in truth an house of God dwelling in it. Surely then, the filthy in speech hath not a Godly mind, nor he who delighteth in jesting and laughter.
“Sound judgment.” And what can it be to have “a sound judgment?” To enjoy the healthiness that pertaineth to the soul: for he that is held down by wicked lusts, and is dazzled with present things, never can be sound, that is, healthy. But as one who is diseased lusteth even after things which are unfit for him, so also doth he. “And a virtuous conversation,” for the doctrines need also conversation [answerable]. Attend to this, ye who come to baptism at the close of life, for we indeed pray that after baptism ye may have also conversation, but thou art seeking and doing thy utmost to depart without any “conversation.” For, what, though thou be justified: yet is it of faith only. But we pray that thou shouldest have as well the confidence that cometh of good works.
“Continually to think those things which be His, to mind those things which be His, to practise those things which be His:” for we ask not to have sound judgment, and virtuous conversation for one day only, or for two or three, but through the whole tenor and period of our life; and as the foundation of all good things, “to mind those things which be His.” For the great majority seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. How then might this be? (For besides prayer, need is that we contribute also our own endeavours.) If we be occupied in His law day and night. Whence he goeth on to ask this also, “to be occupied in His law;” and as he said above, “continually,” so here “day and night.” Wherefore I even blush for those who scarce once in the year are seen in church. For what excuse can they have, who are bidden not simply “day and night” to commune with the law, but “to be occupied in,” that is, to be for ever holding converse with it, and yet scarce do so for the smallest fraction of their life?
(7.) “To remember His Commandments, to keep His judgments.” Seest thou what an excellent chain is here? and how each link hangs by the next compacted with more strength and beauty than any chain of gold? For, having asked for a Godly mind, he telleth whereby this may be produced. Whereby? By continually practising it. And how might this be brought about? By constantly giving heed to the Law. And how might men be persuaded to this? If they should keep His Commandments; yea rather, from giving heed to the law cometh also the keeping His Commandments; as likewise from minding the things which be His, and from having a Godly mind, cometh the practising the things which be His. For each of the things mentioned jointly procureth and is procured by the next, both linking it and being linked by it.
[9.] “Let us beseech for them yet more earnestly.” For because, that by length of speaking the soul useth to grow drowsy, he again arouseth it up, for he purposeth to ask again certain great and lofty things. Wherefore he saith, “Let us beseech for them yet more earnestly.” And what is this? “That He would deliver them from every evil and inordinate thing.” Here we ask for them that they may not enter into temptation, but be delivered from every snare, a deliverance as well bodily as spiritual. Wherefore also he goeth on to say, “from every devilish sin, and from every besetment of the adversary,” meaning, temptations and sins. For sin doth easily beset, taking its stand on every side, before, behind, and so casting us down. For, after telling us what ought to be done by us, namely, to be occupied in His law, to remember His Commandments, to keep His judgments, he assures us next that not even is this enough, except Himself stand by and succour. For, Except the Lord build the house, their labour is but lost that build it; and especially in the case of those who are yet exposed to the devil, and are under his dominion. And ye that are initiated know this well. For call to mind, for instance, those words wherein ye renounced his usurped rule, and bent the knee, and deserted to The King, and uttered those awful words whereby we are taught in nothing whatever to obey him. But he calleth him adversary and devil [accuser], because he both accuseth God to man and us to God, and us again one to another. For at one time he accused Job to God, saying, Doth Job serve the Lord for nought? at another time God to Job, Fire came down from heaven. And again, God to Adam, when He said that their eyes would be opened. And to many men at this day, saying, that God taketh no care for the visible order of things, but hath delegated your affairs to demons. And to many of the Jews he accused Christ, calling Him a deceiver and a sorcerer. But perchance some one wisheth to hear in what manner he worketh. When he findeth not a godly mind, findeth not a sound understanding, then, as into a soul left empty, he leads his revel thither; when one remembereth not the commandments of God, nor keepeth His judgments, then he taketh him captive, and departeth. Had Adam, for instance, remembered the commandment which said, Of every tree thou mayest eat; had he kept the judgment which said, In the day in which ye eat thereof, then shall ye surely die; it had not fared with him as it did.
“That He would count them worthy in due season of the regeneration of the laver, of the remission of sins.” For we ask some things to come now, some to come hereafter; and we expound the doctrine of the laver, and in asking instruct them to know its power. For what is said thenceforth familiarizes them to know already, that what is there done is a regeneration, and that we are born again of the waters, just as of the womb; that they say not after Nicodemus, How can one be born when he is old? Can he enter into his mother’s womb, and be born again? Then, because he had spoken of “remission of sins,” he confirmeth this by the words next following, “of the clothing of incorruption;” for he that putteth on sonship plainly becometh incorruptible. But what is that “in due season?” When any is well disposed, when any cometh thereto with earnestness and faith; for this is the “due season” of the believer.
(8.) [10.] “That He would bless their comings in, and their goings out, the whole course of their life.” Here they are directed to ask even for some bodily good, as being yet somewhat weak. “Their houses and their households,” that is, if they have servants or kinsfolk, or any others belonging to them. For these were the rewards of the old Covenant; and nothing then was feared so much as widowhood, childlessness, untimely mournings, to be visited with famine, to have their affairs go on unprosperously. And hence it is, that he alloweth these also to fondly linger over petitions of too temporal a nature, making them mount by little and little to higher things. For so too doth Christ; so too doth Paul, making mention of the older blessings: Christ, when He saith, Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth; Paul, when he saith, Honour thy father and thy mother … and thou shalt live long on the earth. “That He would increase their children and bless them, and bring them to full age, and teach them wisdom.” Here again is both a bodily and spiritual thing, as for persons yet but too much babes in disposition. Then what follows is altogether spiritual, “that He would direct all that is before them unto good;” for he saith not simply, “all that is before them,” but, “all that is before them unto good.” For often a journey is before a man, but it is not good; or some other such thing, which is not profitable. Hereby they are taught in every thing to give thanks to God, as happening all for good. After all this, he bids them stand up during what follows. For having before cast them to the ground, when they have asked what they have asked, and have been filled with confidence, now the word given raiseth them up, and biddeth them during what follows engage, for themselves even, in supplication to God. For part we say ourselves, and part we permit them to say, now opening unto them the door of prayer, (exactly as we first teach children [what to say], and then bid them say it of themselves,) saying, “Pray ye, Catechumens, for the angel of peace;” for there is an angel that punisheth, as when He saith, A message by evil angels, there is that destroyeth. Wherefore we bid them ask for the angel of peace, teaching them to seek that which is the bond of all good things, peace; so that they may be delivered from all fightings, all wars, all seditions. “That all that is before you may be peaceful;” for even if a thing be grievous, if a man have peace, it is light. Wherefore Christ also said, My peace I give unto you; for the devil hath no weapon so strong as fighting, and enmity, and war. “Pray that this day, and all the days of your life, be full of peace.” Seest thou how he again insisteth, that the whole life be passed in virtue? “That your ends be Christian;” your highest good, the honourable and the expedient; for what is not honourable, is not expedient either. For our idea of the nature of expediency is different from that of the many. “Commend yourselves to the living God, and to His Christ;” for as yet we trust them not to pray for others, but it is a privilege to be able to pray for themselves.
Seest thou the completeness of this prayer, both in regard of doctrine and of conversation? for when we have mentioned the Gospel, and the clothing of incorruption, and the Laver of Regeneration, we have mentioned all the doctrines: when again we spoke of a Godly mind, a sound understanding, and the rest of what we said, we suggested the conversation. Then we bid them bow their heads; regarding it as a proof of their prayers being heard, that God blesseth them. For surely it is not a man that blesseth; but by means of his hand and his tongue we bring unto the King Himself the heads of those that are present. And all together shout the “Amen.”
Now why have I said all this? To teach you that we ought to seek the things of others, that the faithful may not think it no concern of theirs when these things are said. For not to the walls surely doth the Deacon say, “Let us pray for the Catechumens.” But some are so without understanding, so stupid, so depraved, as to stand and talk, not only during the time of the Catechumens, but also during the time of the faithful. Hence all is perverted; hence all is utterly lost: for at the very time when we ought most to propitiate God, we go away having provoked Him. So again in [the prayers of] the faithful, we are bidden to approach the God that loveth men, for Bishops, for Priests, for Kings, for those in authority, for earth and sea, for temperature of seasons, for the whole world. When then we who ought to have such confidence [toward God] as to pray for others, are scarce awake even whilst praying for ourselves, how can we excuse ourselves? how find pardon? Wherefore I beseech you, that laying all this to heart, ye would know the time of prayer, and be lifted up and disengaged from earth, and touch the vault itself of heaven; so that we may have power to make God propitious, and obtain the good things promised, whereunto may we all attain, through the grace and love towards men of our Lord Jesus Christ; with Whom unto the Father, together with the Holy Ghost, be glory, might, honour, now and for ever, and world without end. Amen.