By St. Leo the Great
(Sermon 14: On the Fast of The Tenth Month, III)
(Sermon 14: On the Fast of The Tenth Month, III)
CHAPTER I - How the field of the heart is to be cultivated and made fruitful.
In the Lord’s field, beloved, of which we are the laborers, we must prudently and vigilantly carry out the spiritual cultivation, so that, by persevering diligence, we may accomplish the tasks that must be done at their appointed times and rejoice in the harvest of holy works. For if these tasks are neglected through slothful idleness and sluggish laziness, our soil will produce no noble growth, and being covered with thorns and thistles, will yield not what is to be stored in barns, but what must be burned with fire.
Now this field, beloved, when moistened from above by the grace of God, is fortified by faith, tilled by fasting, sown with almsgiving, and made fruitful by prayers, so that amid our plantings and waterings no root of bitterness may spring up, nor may the growth of any harmful shoot raise itself up; but, with every seed of vice destroyed, a joyful crop of virtues may flourish.
To such diligence piety indeed urges us at all times; but in these days that are set apart especially for this work, greater zeal and more fervent care must be stirred up, lest it be impious to neglect what it is pious to do, once it has been proclaimed.
CHAPTER II - That the devil rages more fiercely against the faithful when good works are either enjoined or being performed.
We therefore exhort you, beloved, to celebrate with one accord — Christ aiding you — the fast of the tenth month, for which we know your charity to be prepared with religious purpose, reminding you that each should strive in good works according to the measure of ability he has received from God. For our enemies, who are tormented by our sanctification, rage more fiercely in these days, which they know to have been appointed for our greater observance, and plot against us with more subtle cunning: sending to some the fear of want because of expenditures in almsgiving, and to others instilling sadness at the labor of fasting, so that they may draw many away from partaking in this devotion.
Against these temptations, beloved, let the intention of a pious heart be watchful within us, and let thoughts of distrust be driven from Christian minds. For what suffices the poor man is but little. His food and clothing are no burden. That which is hungry desires something simple; that which is thirsty seeks something simple; and the nakedness that needs covering asks not for adornment, but merely to be clothed.
Yet our Lord is so compassionate a judge of our works, so kindly an appraiser, that He will give a reward even for a cup of cold water. And because He is a just observer of souls, He will recompense not only the cost of the work, but also the intention of the one who performs it, through Christ our Lord.
Source: Migne P.L., 54. Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
