congregation not to give in to this Donatist temptation. This could be a point in favor of the earlier
SERMON 223 211
Let the husks listen to me too; wherever they are, let them listen. I hope there aren't any here; but let me address them all the same, in case perhaps there are some here. So listen to me, you husks; though if you do listen, you won't be husks anymore. So listen. Let God's patience stand you in good stead. Let your association with the grains, and their advice and admonitions, make you too into grains. You are not denied the showers of God's word; don't let God's field in you be barren. So, grow green again, grow grain again, grow ripe again. The one who sowed you, after all, wishes to find full ears of com, not empty husks.1 2 3 4 5 6 7
NOTES
1. The straightforward, simple style persuades me to cast my vote with the scholar, Poque, who suggests this date, against those who put the sermon ten years earlier, 400-405. But I agree with the Maurists against all these scholars in seeing it as an Easter vigil sermon, instead of one preached on Low Sunday, or even later in paschal time. It was clearly preached at the end of the vigil, after the new Christians had been baptized and had come from the baptistry, dressed in their white baptismal robes, to join the faithful in the main basilica.
2. The newly baptized were always known as the infantes; see 1 Pt 2:2.
3. See Phil 4:1. 4. Why he should suppose the psalm is here talking about Christ's enemies is by no means clear.
5. SeePs 2:11. 6. It was his constant complaint that this is what the Donatists had done. He is warning his congregation not to give in to this Donatist temptation. This could be a point in favor of the earlier date for the sermon. The Donatist temptation was much less of a real threat to Catholic congregations after the great colloquy between Catholic and Donatist bishops in 411, when judgment was given in favor of the Catholics, and the Donatists were subjected to very severe financial penalties.
7. Spicas vult invenire, non spinas.