June 1
It is evident that even a person makes effective use of the gifts of grace, even if, he obeys the commandments, but does not perform the acts in the dispositions and for the end prescribed by the Lord in the words: “ So let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father…”( Matt 5: 16), he deserves to hear answer given by the Lord, “ Depart from me, I know you not, you workers of iniquity ” (Lk 13: 26 -27 )
(Concerning Baptism, pg.415)
June 2
So that we may know clearly what is meant by not having a share in the works which do not bear fruit let us first inquire as to what sort of actions mint the attribute “ unfruitful” – whether those only that are forbidden or such also are commendable but are not performed in good dispositions. Solomon declares: “ The work of the just is unto life but the fruit of the wicked is sin ” ( Prov. 10:16) Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, expresses the matter more clearly in the words: “ a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit.” ( Matt.7:18).
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 418)
June 3
The significance of barren trees are clarified for us by John the Baptist, who said to those who had merited to receive Baptism for the remission of their sins and who had been cleansed from every stain of guilt: “Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of penance,” (Matt. 3: 8) and, a little further on, he adds: “Every tree therefore that does not yield good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.” (Matt. 3:10)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 418)
June 4
The Lord gives us clearer instructions in the words. He will addresses to those who stand at His right hand: “Come, you blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepare for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25: 34), and, he makes mention of their good fruit, those of His left hand, however, He consigns to: “the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25: 41). He does not blame those for committing sin, but for omitting to do good works: “For I was hungry,” He says, “and you gave me nothing to eat” (Matt. 25: 42) and so on. Their mission, moreover, causes these souls to shore the fate of sinners who are called by the Lord the Devil’s angels.
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 419)
June 5
Upon consideration, I find the links, which is needed between the man who observes the commandment of God lawfully and in a manner pleasing to Him and the one who commits evil and him who does neither, in those who do good, but in a manner displeasing to God for any of the reasons previously mentioned. Consider the case of the five foolish virgins. On the testimony of the Lord Himself, they were virgins and had trimmed their lamps and lighted them; that is, they had done the same things as the wise virgins and they also went out to meet the Lord, showing themselves in every way as zealous as the wise. Yet, merely because they had not enough oil in their vessels, they failed of their purpose and were kept from entering the place where the bridegroom was. (Matt.25:1) So also, with the one who was left of the two in the mill- house and of the two in the same bed. (Luke 17:34-35) The Lord is silent as to the reason for this, perhaps in order to show that, in every case, the least failure in property – and particularly, in true charity- renders an act displeasing.
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 419- 420)
June 6
Now let us to consider what it is to have fellowship and study the forms it takes. Proverbs states: “Come with us, let us be sharers in blood” (Prov. 1:11) and St. Paul reminds us: “you are all partakes of my joy” (Phil. 1:7) and “Let him that is instructed in the word communicate to him that instructs him in all good things” (Gal 6:6). As I recall these and similar passages, I am led to the opinion that fellowship in work consists in mutual assistance toward the same objective. According to this, fellowship of thought would entail sharing the sentiments of the one doing the work and taking pleasure in it with him.
(Concerning Baptism pg. 421)
June 7
Another variety of fellowship, overlooked by most persons, is revealed by an accurate reading of the Holy Scripture. According to this kind of fellowship, one neither actually performs a work in association with another nor shares his dispositions, but although aware of the malice in the mind directing the work, one yet remains silent and does not make open accusation as is required both by Scripture and by St. Paul in 1Cor.5: 6 which states “a little leaven corrupts the whole lump”. Let us fear and obey St. Paul when he says: “Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new paste.” (I Cor. 5:7).
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 421)
June 8
Now, one with a good intention cooperates with another in a good work and is unconscious of the wickedness of his partner’s disposition and aim, such a one does not even guilt in lending his assistance. Since he did not share the other’s disposition but has keeping himself within the rule of the love of God, he shall receive his own proper reward according to his own work, as Jesus Christ showed in the example of the man left in the bed and in the woman left in the millhouse. (Luke 17: 34- 35)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 422)
June 9
The difference between those who are entrusted to us and those who are not has to with the obligation we have of watching over them and not with fellowship in sin. My solicitude is specifically due only those under my charge and participation in evil and in unfruitful work is forbidden to the same degree in all instances.
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 422)
June 10
Now, scandal, as I am led to infer from the Scriptures, is everything that draws us away from the true piety toward any form of defect in or introduces error; or, in general, everything which hinders us from observing God’s command even unto death.
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 422)
June 11
If, however is said or done in good in itself, but infirmity in the agent makes his word or deed a source of harm, he is not liable to accusation from those who have taken scandal, since he said or did that which was good as regard edification. This the Lord indicated in the words: “Not that which goes into the mouth, this defiles a man” (Matt. 5:11)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 422)
June 12
On the other hand, to those who had taken scandal He said: “Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted shall be rooted up.” (Matt. 15: 13) Thereupon, some turned these words to their own ruin, as the Scripture says: “ And many of the disciples, hearing this word, went back and walked no more with him ” ( John 6: 67- 70)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 422- 423)
June 13
Those of sound faith made use of Jesus’ words to strengthen their faith and obtain eternal salvation, but the weak in understanding or faith, owning to their own wickedness, made them a cause of ruin.
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 423)
June 14
It is written concerning the Lord: “this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many” (Luke 2: 34). This was not said because of the contradiction existing within Himself, but with reference to the hostile views of those who would interpret His doctrine….
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 423)
June 15
Now, if that which is said or done is evil in itself, then he who says or does it is liable to the charge both of committing sin himself and giving scandal, even if he whom the scandal is given does not take it as such. This is illustrated in the case of Peter, to whom the Lord said, when Peter had protesting against His fulfilling His ministry of obedience even unto death: “Go behind me, Satan, you are a scandal to me” (Matt. 16: 23).
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 423)
June 16
The reason added by the Lord, although brief, teaches us, the general characteristics of scandal: “because you savor not the things that are of God, but the things that are of men” (Matt. 16: 23). From this we know that every attitude of mind which is contrary to the judgment of God constitutes a scandal, and when such an attitude is, further, put into action, it incurs the same penalty as homicide, according to the Prophet Osee: “the priest have hidden the way, they have slain Sickem, for they have wrought wickedness among the people” (Osee 6: 9)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 423- 424)
June 17
On the other hand, if it is a case of same act that is illicit in itself, and harm comes of it and it is causes scandal to those who are weak in faith or understanding, he who has performed such an action is guilty of scandal. St. Paul says of those without thus. “Now when you sin thus against the brethren and wound their week conscience, you sin against Christ” (1 Cor. 8:12) (Concerning Baptism, pg. 424)
June 18
Consequently, even when soothing is done which is intrinsically evil or scandal results, or if the performance of a licit act and one within our sphere of competence causes scandal to one who is weak in faith or knowledge, then the penalty is clear and inescapable. It is the dreadful condemnation pronounced by the Lord: “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and he cast into the sea then” (Luke 17:2)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 424)
June 19
St. Paul says even with reference to legitimate actions: “It is good not to eat flesh and not to drink wine or anything whereby your brother is offended or scandalized or made weak” (Rom. 14: 21). Now if such be the judgment of the permissible acts, what should be said to these that are forbidden? (Concerning Baptism, pg. 424-425)
June 20
St. Paul gives us a general rule to follow: “ Be without offense to the Jews and Gentiles, and to the Church of God; as I also in all things please all men, not seeking that which is profitable to myself but to many that they may be saved ” ( 1 Cor.16: 32-33)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 425)
June 21
But, if even the call of the love of God or neighbor should require us to supply some deficiency, he who assures the summons will have to reward of voluntary obedience. This call is addressed to us when the love of God demands that we fulfill this precept of the Lord: “A new commandment I give to you: that you love one another as I loved you.” (John 13: 34)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 427)
June 22
We are called to love of neighbor either when a person in authority needs our support or when those in his charge require that same necessity be supplied. St. Paul says: “Let no man seek his own, but that which is another’s” (1 Cor. 10: 24). “The love which is in according to Christ seeks not its own” (1 Cor. 13: 5)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 428)
June 23
If a man does not accomplish in word and work the mission upon which he was sent, he is therefore guilty of the blood of those who have not heard the Gospel, and he is unable to say with St. Paul: “I am clean from this time of the blood of all of you. For I have not spared to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:26-27)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 428)
June 24
And whoever is able to do more than what is enjoyed, unto the edification of faith in the love of Christ, will have recompense for this, as St. Paul intimated when he said: “For if I do this things unwillingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, a dispensation is committed to me” (Col. 9:17).
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 428)
June 25
It is written in the Gospel according to John: “Jesus, therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth and said to them: “Who do you seek?... I have told you that I am he. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way” (John 18:8). How much more willing, therefore, should we bear with trials which beset us in the natural course of things! By triumphing thus over the assaults of our enemies for the sake of obedience to God, we will glorify God, for we will cheerfully accept the annoyances which appear to be brought upon us by our enemies inasmuch as we will have attained to the high purpose of him who said: “unto you it is given for Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer high purpose to suffer for him.” (Phil 1: 29)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 429)
June 26
The acts, in relating the hardships of the apostles, tell how they accepted contumely and death with joy that they might fulfill their mission of preaching according to the Lord’s command.( Act 4:5)
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 429)
June 27
Furthermore, St. Paul means to instruct us when he says: “Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulations? Or distress? But in all these things we overcome because of him that has loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities…nor things present nor things to come…shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:35- 39).
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 429-430)
June 28
The observance of the commandments is, therefore, inextricably and completely bound up with charity which is in Christ, as the words of the Lord Himself show: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, but he that does not keep my words, loves me not;”( John 14: 23-24) and also: “You are my friends if you do the things that I command you” (John 15:14).
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 430)
June 29
Those who are attracted to the rose, as is natural for lovers of beautiful, feel no vexation even at the thorns from the midst of wheck-the flower springs. And I once heard certain person say about roses…something to this effect – that nature has caused those delicate thorns to grow upon this flower that they might serve, as do the sundry tickling which lovers use, to incite gently to a greater desire by the pleasant pricking of their stings.
(Letter CCCXLII, Vol. IV pg. 305)
June 30
Keeping our gaze fixed upon Christ, therefore, let us, by glorious imitation of Him, increase our zeal. And thinking upon the saints, let us receive instruction from them to the full extent of our capacity, so that, rendered ever more zealous by them and observing every commandments of the Lord without spot or blame even unto death, we may attain to life everlasting and possess the kingdom of heaven, as He who cannot deceive has promised, Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, Only – begotten Son of the living God.
(Concerning Baptism, pg. 430)
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