Re: Christianity, Nature; Non-dichotomous
Fr: Excerpt from Saint Peter Chrysologus [(c.406-450), Bishop of Ravenna, Doctor of the Church]. “Then they will fast.” Sermon on prayer, fasting and almsgiving; PL 52, 320, http://dailygospel.org /www/ popup-comments. php?language=AM&id=1151 (2008 Feb 8)
“There are three actions, my brethren, on which faith stands firm, in which piety consists and by which virtue is upheld: prayer, fasting, mercy. Prayer knocks at the door; fasting obtains; mercy receives…
Thus, fasting is the soul of prayer and mercy is the life of fasting... Therefore, the one who prays must fast, and the one who fasts must have mercy…
“Whoever practices fasting must… sympathize with the hungry man if he wants God to sympathize with his own hunger…
“And so prayer, mercy, fasting must make up one, single sponsor to recommend us to God, one defense, one prayer in our favor under this threefold form.”
Comment:
St. Chrysologus’ sermon presents Christianity in a holistic manner. Love of God leads to love of neighbor and vice versa. Spirit is made flesh and reverts back to its origin. Theory is made manifest in practice. Personal striving for holiness overflows towards others and enriches one further.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment