Tractates on the Gospel of John
TRACTATE 3 91 quickly they forgot such evident grace! So how could such a people be held except by carnal promises?
20. The same things are ordered there in the decalogue of the Law as [are ordered] also for us; but not the same things are promised as for us. What is promised for us? Eternal life.
"Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ."^^ Knowledge of God is promised; this is grace for grace. My brothers, now we believe, we do not see; to see what we believe will be recompense for this faith.
(2) The Prophets knew this, but it was hidden before he came. For in the Psalm a certain lover says with a sigh, "One thing I have asked of the Lord; this I shall seek after."'^ And do you ask what he seeks? For perhaps he seeks a land flowing physically with milk and honey, although that must be sought and looked for spiritually; or perhaps he seeks the subjugation of his country's foes, or the death of his own enemies, or the powers and goods of this world. For he burns with love, and sighs much, and seethes with desire, and pants. Let us see what he asks for. "One thing I have asked of the Lord; this shall I seek after." What is it that he seeks after? He says, "That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." And suppose that you dwell in the house of the Lord; whence will be your joy there? "That I may gaze," he says, "on the delight of the Lord."''
21. My, brothers, why do you shout, why do you exult, why do you love, except that a spark of this love is there? What do you desire, I ask you? Can it be seen with the eyes? Can it be touched? Is there some beauty which delights the eyes? Have not the martyrs been loved ardently? And when we commemorate them, do we not catch fire with love? What do we love in them, brothers? Their limbs mangled by wild beasts? What sight is fouler, if you should consult the eyes of the flesh? What is more beautiful, if you should consult the eyes of the heart? How does a very handsome young man, but a thief, appear to you? How your eyes do stare in terror! Are the eyes
69. Cf.Jn 17.3. 71. Ibid. 70. Cf. Ps 26.4.