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Oration XXXVII. On the Words of the Gospel, “When Jesus Had Finished These Sayings,” Etc.—S. Matt. xix. 1
I. Jesus Who Chose The Fishermen, Himself also useth a net, and changeth place for place. Why? Not only that He may gain more of those who love God
II. Therefore now also, when He had finished these sayings He departed from Galilee and came into the coasts of Judea beyond Jordan He dwelleth well
III. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there, where the multitude was greater. If He had abode upon His own eminence, if He had
IV. And pardon me meanwhile that I again suffer a human affection. I am filled with indignation and grief for my Christ (and would that you might sy
V. But, as I was saying, to return to my argument for this reason great multitudes followed Him, because He condescended to our infirmities. What n
VI. The question which you have put seems to me to do honour to chastity, and to demand a kind reply. Chastity, in respect of which I see that the m
VII. How then dost thou demand Chastity, while thou dost not thyself observe it? How dost thou demand that which thou dost not give? How, though th
VIII. Churn milk and it will be butter examine this and perhaps you may find something more nourishing in it. For I think that the Word here seems
IX. But what of the Pharisees? To them this word seems harsh. Yes, for they are also displeased at other noble words—both the older Pharisees, and
X. Marriage is honourable but I cannot say that it is more lofty than virginity for virginity were no great thing if it were not better than a good
XI. But He said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. Do you see the sublimity of the matter? It is found t
XII. You see how streams confined in lead pipes, through being much compressed and carried to one point, often so far depart from the nature of water
XIII. All men, He saith, cannot receive this saying, but they to whom it is given. When you hear this, It is given, do not understand it in a hereti
XIV. In another place it is also said and understood, and perhaps it is necessary that I should add it as follows to what has already been said, in o
XV. I fear lest some monstrous reasoning may come in, as of the soul having lived elsewhere, and then having been bound to this body, and that it is
XVI. For there are eunuchs which were made eunuchs from their mother’s womb, etc. I should very much like to be able to say something bold about eun
XVII. Since then, natural chastity is not meritorious, I demand something else from the eunuchs. Do not go a whoring in respect of the Godhead. Hav
XVIII. Consider those men who are devoted to horse racing. They are named after the colours and the sides on which they have placed themselves. You
XIX. For it is not only bodily sin which is called fornication and adultery, but any sin you have committed, and especially transgression against tha
XX. There are, He says, some eunuchs which were so born from their mother’s womb and there are some eunuchs which were made eunuchs of men and ther
XXI. And there be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. Others, too, who have not met with teachers, have bee
XXII. Only let us cut ourselves off from passion, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble us only let us follow the image only let us reve
XXIII. I enact this for Laymen too, and I enjoin it also upon all Priests, and upon those commissioned to rule. Come to the aid of the Word, all of
XXIV. But it remains that I speak a prayer for those who are assembled. Husbands alike and wives, rulers and ruled, old men, and young men, and maid
ΛΟΓΟΣ ΛΖʹ.Εἰς τὸ ῥητὸν τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου: «Ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς λόγους τούτους,» καὶ τὰ ἑξῆς.