Letter 2,29 - to the praetor Justin, about protecting bishop Leo. july 592.
"The envy of the ancient enemy has this special quality. Those whom it cannot trick into the perpetration of evil acts, because God resists it, it destroys their reputations for the present by pretending false things.
Since therefore a wicked rumor has spread concerning out brother and fellow-bishop Leo, certain things contrary to the priestly way of life, we set up an inquiry with a long and strict examination to see whether they were true, and we found no fault in him concerning what had been said about him.
But so that nothing might appear to have been omitted, and so that no doubt remain in our heart, we made him swear many a solemn oath before the most holy body of Saint Peter.
After the performance of this, we rejoiced with great exultation, because in this way his innocence shone out most clearly."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 210.
Friday 31 December 2010
Thursday 30 December 2010
Guarding The Rebublic
Letter 2,28 - to Maurice and Vitalian, military commanders, concerning pilllage. June 592.
"On the eleventh day of this month of June, Ariulf sent this letter, which we have directed to you. And for that reason, read it again and see of the citizens of Soana have persisted in the loyalty that they promised to the republic. Take from them worthy hostages in whom you can trust, and bind them well with oaths once again, returning to them what you took as a pledge, and soothing them with your words.
But if you find out that they have quite obviously had talks with Ariulf about their submission, or have definitely given him hostages, as the letter of Ariulf which we sent to you makes us suspect, then study this with a sound deliberation, and so that your soul or ours is not in any way weighed down over their oaths, carry out whatever you judge to be in the republic's interest.
But let your Glory do it in such a way that there is neither anything over which your adversaries could condemn us, nor is anything neglected that the republic's advantage requires. Lord forbid it!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 210.
"On the eleventh day of this month of June, Ariulf sent this letter, which we have directed to you. And for that reason, read it again and see of the citizens of Soana have persisted in the loyalty that they promised to the republic. Take from them worthy hostages in whom you can trust, and bind them well with oaths once again, returning to them what you took as a pledge, and soothing them with your words.
But if you find out that they have quite obviously had talks with Ariulf about their submission, or have definitely given him hostages, as the letter of Ariulf which we sent to you makes us suspect, then study this with a sound deliberation, and so that your soul or ours is not in any way weighed down over their oaths, carry out whatever you judge to be in the republic's interest.
But let your Glory do it in such a way that there is neither anything over which your adversaries could condemn us, nor is anything neglected that the republic's advantage requires. Lord forbid it!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 210.
Wednesday 29 December 2010
On Battle
Letter 2,27 - to Maurice and Vitalian, military commanders. June 592.
"But that magnificent man Aldio, after the arrival of your men, wrote to us that Ariulf was already close by, and we were afraid that the soldiers snet To you mugje fall into his hands. Het here in Rome too, as far as God shell assist him, our Son and glorious military commander has prepared himself to meet him [Ariulf]. But your Glory also, of the enemy kraalt should come out in this direction, achieve what you can from his rear, with God's help, as has been your costum.
For our hopes are in the strength of almighty God and in that of Saint Peter himself, the prince of the apolstles, on whose birthday they long to shed blood, because they will without delay discover that Saint Peter himself is their adversary."
"But that magnificent man Aldio, after the arrival of your men, wrote to us that Ariulf was already close by, and we were afraid that the soldiers snet To you mugje fall into his hands. Het here in Rome too, as far as God shell assist him, our Son and glorious military commander has prepared himself to meet him [Ariulf]. But your Glory also, of the enemy kraalt should come out in this direction, achieve what you can from his rear, with God's help, as has been your costum.
For our hopes are in the strength of almighty God and in that of Saint Peter himself, the prince of the apolstles, on whose birthday they long to shed blood, because they will without delay discover that Saint Peter himself is their adversary."
Friday 24 December 2010
Merry Christmas
Homily i,8 - Held to the people in the Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary - December 25, 590.
He came unto His own (John 1;11). In His own nature, He was begotten before time; in our nature He came into time. Because the Eternal One appeared as a temporal being, that into what He descended, was alien and strange to Him.
And because the prophet states: All flesh is as grass (Jes 40:6), the Son of Man changed our grass into wheat, as when He said of Himself: Unless the wheat of grain fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone (John 12:24).
That is why the Newborn is put into a manger, to strengthen all believers, seen as holy creatures, with the wheat of His body, so that they do not miss the taste of eternal knowledge.
What else does it mean that an angel, appeared to the watchful shepherds, the Lord's glory shining around them, that before anyone else, those deserved to see the Heaven-like, those who know how to lead the herd of the faithful."
Please click the link to the full latin text of this homily.
He came unto His own (John 1;11). In His own nature, He was begotten before time; in our nature He came into time. Because the Eternal One appeared as a temporal being, that into what He descended, was alien and strange to Him.
And because the prophet states: All flesh is as grass (Jes 40:6), the Son of Man changed our grass into wheat, as when He said of Himself: Unless the wheat of grain fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone (John 12:24).
That is why the Newborn is put into a manger, to strengthen all believers, seen as holy creatures, with the wheat of His body, so that they do not miss the taste of eternal knowledge.
What else does it mean that an angel, appeared to the watchful shepherds, the Lord's glory shining around them, that before anyone else, those deserved to see the Heaven-like, those who know how to lead the herd of the faithful."
Please click the link to the full latin text of this homily.
Monday 20 December 2010
Stand By Your Calling
Letter 2,26 - to Stephen, our recorder for Sicily, on the restoration of monks. 19 May 592.
"And so it has been suggested to us by the abbot of the monastery of Saint George, which is situated in the domain called Maratodis, that two monks have taken refuge there, and one of them has in fact already taken a wife from the locals, while the other lives a secular life, having become a layman.
They themselves assert that they are not from slaves of the domain, but are free men. But even if they have been tied to their situation, it was contrary to God that after receiving the sacrament of the divine office, they should go back to their secular life and clothing.
For that reason I encourage you to take consideration of the eternal judge, and make the monks hand themselves over without delay, so that the strictness of the other monasteries is not weakened by their example, with you at fault (God forbid!). But rather, with the support of your Greatness, let the hope of doing such things be removed from all other monks."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 208.
"And so it has been suggested to us by the abbot of the monastery of Saint George, which is situated in the domain called Maratodis, that two monks have taken refuge there, and one of them has in fact already taken a wife from the locals, while the other lives a secular life, having become a layman.
They themselves assert that they are not from slaves of the domain, but are free men. But even if they have been tied to their situation, it was contrary to God that after receiving the sacrament of the divine office, they should go back to their secular life and clothing.
For that reason I encourage you to take consideration of the eternal judge, and make the monks hand themselves over without delay, so that the strictness of the other monasteries is not weakened by their example, with you at fault (God forbid!). But rather, with the support of your Greatness, let the hope of doing such things be removed from all other monks."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 208.
Sunday 19 December 2010
About Castor
Letter 2,25 - to John, bishop of Ravenna. April 592.
"Your Fraternity showed your compassion, keen before to visit our brother and fellow-bishop Castor, suiting your convenience, and also to receive him afterwards in the city of Ravenna, because of the growing sickness of his body.
Wherefore you have without doubt indebted not just us, for the charity given by you, but God as well. For you have proved that you felt compassion over a brother's illness, and have not only visited him when sick with bodily pains, but also received him at your home.
In fact I myself refused totally to consecrate him there, because of his simple-mindedness. But the insistence of his supporters brought it about that I could in no way speak against him. But if it ca be done, you will greatly benefit me and yourself if you send him down to me even via Sicily, provided you judge that the journey is not painful for him."
"Your Fraternity showed your compassion, keen before to visit our brother and fellow-bishop Castor, suiting your convenience, and also to receive him afterwards in the city of Ravenna, because of the growing sickness of his body.
Wherefore you have without doubt indebted not just us, for the charity given by you, but God as well. For you have proved that you felt compassion over a brother's illness, and have not only visited him when sick with bodily pains, but also received him at your home.
In fact I myself refused totally to consecrate him there, because of his simple-mindedness. But the insistence of his supporters brought it about that I could in no way speak against him. But if it ca be done, you will greatly benefit me and yourself if you send him down to me even via Sicily, provided you judge that the journey is not painful for him."
Thursday 16 December 2010
To A Dear Friend
Letter 2,24 - to Rusticiana. April 592.
"But I was very surprised as to why you have put off your intention the journey you planned, to the holy lands, as well of your vows of a good deed, when it is necessary to complete an act of devotion quickly, if ever a good deed is conceived in one's heart as a gift to the Creator.
Otherwise, while the cunning entrapper strives to ensnare a soul, he at once suggests various obstacles by which one's mind is debilitated, and does not let one's desires reach fulfillment.
For this reason it is necessary for your Excellency to anticipate all the obstacles obstructing the path of holy causes, and to aspire to the rewards of a good deed with every effort of one's heart, so that one may both live with tranquillity in the present age, and may in the future possess a heavenly kingdom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 207.
"But I was very surprised as to why you have put off your intention the journey you planned, to the holy lands, as well of your vows of a good deed, when it is necessary to complete an act of devotion quickly, if ever a good deed is conceived in one's heart as a gift to the Creator.
Otherwise, while the cunning entrapper strives to ensnare a soul, he at once suggests various obstacles by which one's mind is debilitated, and does not let one's desires reach fulfillment.
For this reason it is necessary for your Excellency to anticipate all the obstacles obstructing the path of holy causes, and to aspire to the rewards of a good deed with every effort of one's heart, so that one may both live with tranquillity in the present age, and may in the future possess a heavenly kingdom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 207.
Visiting Churches
Letter 2,23 - to John, bishop, visitor to Nepi. March 592.
"Although we have imposed the task of visiting the church at Naples upon Paul, our brother and fellow-bishop, your Fraternity should not for that reason desist from undertaking the visitation of the church of Nepi, so that when the Easter festival requires it, whatever the solemnity of the sacred rites demands may be fully implemented, with your assistance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:207 .
"Although we have imposed the task of visiting the church at Naples upon Paul, our brother and fellow-bishop, your Fraternity should not for that reason desist from undertaking the visitation of the church of Nepi, so that when the Easter festival requires it, whatever the solemnity of the sacred rites demands may be fully implemented, with your assistance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:207 .
Wednesday 15 December 2010
An Important Ministry
Letter 2,22 - to Benenatus, bishop visiting Cumae. March 592.
"And for that reason your Beloved will hurry to go to the aforesaid church, and we want you to advise the clergy and people of the same church with continual exhortations that they should put aside partisanship, and with one and the same consensus, seek out a priest to be appointed over them.
He must be found both worthy of such an important ministry, and must in no way be rejected by venerable Church canons. At such a time as he should be accepted, let him come to us to be consecrated, with the solemnity of a decree corroborated by the subscriptions of all the clergy, and by the testimony of your Beloved's letter.
We warn your Fraternity also that you should not permit anyone to be elected from another church, unless perhaps no one can be found from among the clergy of the same city, in which you fulfill the office of visitor, who is worthy of a bishopric, which we believe unlikely.
You will take care before else that they do not presume to support the merit of a layman, whatever his way of life, or you too must face the danger for your position, Heaven forbid!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 206.
"And for that reason your Beloved will hurry to go to the aforesaid church, and we want you to advise the clergy and people of the same church with continual exhortations that they should put aside partisanship, and with one and the same consensus, seek out a priest to be appointed over them.
He must be found both worthy of such an important ministry, and must in no way be rejected by venerable Church canons. At such a time as he should be accepted, let him come to us to be consecrated, with the solemnity of a decree corroborated by the subscriptions of all the clergy, and by the testimony of your Beloved's letter.
We warn your Fraternity also that you should not permit anyone to be elected from another church, unless perhaps no one can be found from among the clergy of the same city, in which you fulfill the office of visitor, who is worthy of a bishopric, which we believe unlikely.
You will take care before else that they do not presume to support the merit of a layman, whatever his way of life, or you too must face the danger for your position, Heaven forbid!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 206.
Tuesday 14 December 2010
The Merit Of Upright Life
Letter 2,21 - to Maximian, bishop of Syracuse. March 592.
"Felix, a most distinguished man, who bears this letter, has informed us that there is a priest in those parts who appears worthy of promotion to the rank of bishop, due to the merit of his upright life.
Therefore let your Fraternity arrange for him to be brought before you, and examine him diligently over the danger to his soul, of which I am certain. If your perceive that he deserves to be promoted to this rank, take care to send him to us, so that we can consecrate him bishop over a place that we shall provide for him, with the Lord's disposition."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:206 .
"Felix, a most distinguished man, who bears this letter, has informed us that there is a priest in those parts who appears worthy of promotion to the rank of bishop, due to the merit of his upright life.
Therefore let your Fraternity arrange for him to be brought before you, and examine him diligently over the danger to his soul, of which I am certain. If your perceive that he deserves to be promoted to this rank, take care to send him to us, so that we can consecrate him bishop over a place that we shall provide for him, with the Lord's disposition."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:206 .
Monday 13 December 2010
On Correspondence
Letter 2,20 - to Jobinus, praetorian prefect of Illyria. March 592.
"Although the rarity of letter-carriers, due to the enemy's occupation of the route, prevents us from delivering our offices of paternal love, yet whenever the occasion arises, we do not hesitate to visit your Excellency with exchanges of letters, so that those whose appearance we cannot see in our presence, we are able to look at to some extent with alternating correspondence.
And so we rejoice that our Lord has been willing to take care of an afflicted province, through the government of your Eminence, so that what he ulcerates on the one hand with the scourge of the barbarian devastation, on the other hand He may cure through your Eminence, as if through some added good health.
Pay attention therefore to the dignity bestowed on you from the gift alone of the Giver, and from the very administration of the rule granted to you, make your Creator more easily appeased towards you."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 205.
"Although the rarity of letter-carriers, due to the enemy's occupation of the route, prevents us from delivering our offices of paternal love, yet whenever the occasion arises, we do not hesitate to visit your Excellency with exchanges of letters, so that those whose appearance we cannot see in our presence, we are able to look at to some extent with alternating correspondence.
And so we rejoice that our Lord has been willing to take care of an afflicted province, through the government of your Eminence, so that what he ulcerates on the one hand with the scourge of the barbarian devastation, on the other hand He may cure through your Eminence, as if through some added good health.
Pay attention therefore to the dignity bestowed on you from the gift alone of the Giver, and from the very administration of the rule granted to you, make your Creator more easily appeased towards you."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 205.
Sunday 12 December 2010
The Case of Honoratus
Letter 2,19 - to Sub-deacon Antonius. March 592.
"And so once Honoratus has been reappointed archdeacon, the above mentioned bishop [Natalis], compelled by you, should send a person to us with instructions, who with allegations of proof could show me that his intention is or was just.
But we also order the same archdeacon to come to us, so that we can decide whichever is just, whichever pleases almighty God, once we know the assertions of each party. For we do not defend anyone because of personal affection, but preserve the rule of justice, with God's authority, disregarding our acceptance of any individual.
You will however take care to entrust Malchus, our brother and fellow-bishop, to a person providing surety, so that he can come to us as quickly as possible, and putting aside all delay and postponement, can give and account of his actions and then return home with full security."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 204 .
"And so once Honoratus has been reappointed archdeacon, the above mentioned bishop [Natalis], compelled by you, should send a person to us with instructions, who with allegations of proof could show me that his intention is or was just.
But we also order the same archdeacon to come to us, so that we can decide whichever is just, whichever pleases almighty God, once we know the assertions of each party. For we do not defend anyone because of personal affection, but preserve the rule of justice, with God's authority, disregarding our acceptance of any individual.
You will however take care to entrust Malchus, our brother and fellow-bishop, to a person providing surety, so that he can come to us as quickly as possible, and putting aside all delay and postponement, can give and account of his actions and then return home with full security."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 204 .
Thursday 9 December 2010
An Explanatory Letter
Letter 2,18 - to all the bishops appointed in Dalmatia. March 592.
"We have already warned him [bishop Natalis] with so many letters, but so far he has remained persistently obstinate. Therefore we have taken care with another letter directed to him, to advise him through the bearer of this letter to replace his Archdeacon Honoratus in his former position, as soon as the bearer of this letter joins him.
If his heart is still obstinate, perhaps, and he arrogantly puts off recalling him to the same rank, because of his repeated displays of arrogance, we have ordered him to be deprived of the use of the pallium, which was conceded to him by his see. If however even after losing the pallium, he still perseveres with the same obstinacy, we have ordered that he be removed from participation also in the body and blood of our Lord.
For it is fair that he should feel us harsh in our justice, given that he has despised us when complaint toward him from affection. We therefore do not even now deviate from the path of whose fault was not at all clear to us, has been restored to his proper position, which the above-mentioned bishop has despised.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 203.
"We have already warned him [bishop Natalis] with so many letters, but so far he has remained persistently obstinate. Therefore we have taken care with another letter directed to him, to advise him through the bearer of this letter to replace his Archdeacon Honoratus in his former position, as soon as the bearer of this letter joins him.
If his heart is still obstinate, perhaps, and he arrogantly puts off recalling him to the same rank, because of his repeated displays of arrogance, we have ordered him to be deprived of the use of the pallium, which was conceded to him by his see. If however even after losing the pallium, he still perseveres with the same obstinacy, we have ordered that he be removed from participation also in the body and blood of our Lord.
For it is fair that he should feel us harsh in our justice, given that he has despised us when complaint toward him from affection. We therefore do not even now deviate from the path of whose fault was not at all clear to us, has been restored to his proper position, which the above-mentioned bishop has despised.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 203.
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Polite But Angree
Letter 2,17 - to natalis, bishop of Salona. March 592.
I have learnt from many people coming from your city, dearest brother, that you have abandoned your pastoral care and are busy with nothing except for banquets.
But I would not believe what I heard, without the proofs that your actions provide.
For it has been proved that you in no way study the holy text, in no way pay attention to preaching, but rather ignore even the very custom of the ecclesiastical order, because you do not know how to show reverence to those placed over you.
For you were prohibited by a letter from my predecessor, of holy memory, from nurturing in your heart the pain of such a long resentment against your archdeacon, Honoratus, and you were strongly forbidden by me also from doing this. For you both neglected the commandments of God and despised what we wrote, trying to degrade the aforesaid Archdeacon Honoratus, under the clever pretext of promoting him to a higher rank. Thereby it has turned out that, with his removal from the position of archdeacon, you invited someone else who could comply with your way of life, when the aforesaid man displeased you in no way, except that he prohibited you from giving sacred vessels and garments to your parents.
But I know, and my predecessor of holy memory then, wanted to examine this case with a meticulous investigation. But you, conscious of what you have done, have putt off sending a person with instructions for the trail. Therefore let you Fraternity recover from the error of your wrongdoing, especially after so many repeated warnings, and as soon as you receive my letter, replace the aforesaid Honoratus in his office.
But if by change you put it off, know that your use of the pallium, granted to you by this see, is removed from you.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
I have learnt from many people coming from your city, dearest brother, that you have abandoned your pastoral care and are busy with nothing except for banquets.
But I would not believe what I heard, without the proofs that your actions provide.
For it has been proved that you in no way study the holy text, in no way pay attention to preaching, but rather ignore even the very custom of the ecclesiastical order, because you do not know how to show reverence to those placed over you.
For you were prohibited by a letter from my predecessor, of holy memory, from nurturing in your heart the pain of such a long resentment against your archdeacon, Honoratus, and you were strongly forbidden by me also from doing this. For you both neglected the commandments of God and despised what we wrote, trying to degrade the aforesaid Archdeacon Honoratus, under the clever pretext of promoting him to a higher rank. Thereby it has turned out that, with his removal from the position of archdeacon, you invited someone else who could comply with your way of life, when the aforesaid man displeased you in no way, except that he prohibited you from giving sacred vessels and garments to your parents.
But I know, and my predecessor of holy memory then, wanted to examine this case with a meticulous investigation. But you, conscious of what you have done, have putt off sending a person with instructions for the trail. Therefore let you Fraternity recover from the error of your wrongdoing, especially after so many repeated warnings, and as soon as you receive my letter, replace the aforesaid Honoratus in his office.
But if by change you put it off, know that your use of the pallium, granted to you by this see, is removed from you.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
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