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| Concerning the Neglect of the Commemoration.
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Sermon LXXXIV1173
| 1173 There is some
doubt as to the exact occasion of this sermon. It seems to have
been connected with the yearly commemoration (not the first or second
from the language Leo uses), of that 14 days’ pillage of Rome by
Genseric (in 455) and of the city’s subsequent liberation, in
which Leo took so important a part. But the date ascribed to the
sermon’s delivery (the octave of SS. Peter and Paul, i.e. July 6)
does not tally well with its allusions to the ludi Circenses as
counter-attractions to the recent Church functions. A reference
to Serm. IX. n. 6, will remind the reader that it was the ludi
Apollinares that, at least in the past, were associated with that
date: perhaps Leo’s phrase ludus Circensium is
only a general description and would include the Apollinarian games as
being still held in Circo as well as others.
The ludi Circenses themselves were held Sept. 4–12. | .
Concerning the Neglect of the
Commemoration.
I. The Churchmen of Rome are in danger of
forgetting past judgments and mercies, and becoming ungrateful to
God.
The fewness of those who were present has of
itself shown, dearly-beloved, that the religious devotion wherewith, in
commemoration of the day of our chastisement and release, the whole
body of the faithful used to flock together in order to give
God thanks, has on this last occasion been
almost entirely neglected: and this has caused me much sadness of
heart and great fear. For there is much danger of men becoming
ungrateful to God, and through forgetfulness
of His benefits not feeling sorrow for the chastisement, nor joy for
the liberation. Accordingly I fear, dearly-beloved, lest that
utterance of the Prophet be addressed in rebuke to such men, which
says, “thou hast scourged them and they have not grieved:
thou hast chastised them, and they have refused to receive
correction.1174
” For
what amendment is shown by them in whom such aversion to God’s service is found? One is ashamed to say
it, but one must not keep silence: more is spent upon demons than
upon the Apostles, and mad spectacles draw greater crowds than blessed
martyrdoms1175
| 1175 Martyria,
which the Ball. here consider means the churches built in honour (? on
the scene) of the martyrdoms. | . Who was it
that restored this city to safety? that rescued it from captivity? the
games of the circus-goers or the care of the saints? surely it was by
the saints’ prayers that the sentence of Divine displeasure
was
diverted, so that we who
deserved wrath, were reserved for pardon.
II. Let them avail themselves betimes of
God’s long-suffering and return to
Him.
I entreat you, beloved, let those words of the
Saviour touch your hearts, Who, when by the power of His mercy He had
cleansed ten lepers, said that only one of them all had returned to
give thanks1176
: meaning
without doubt that, though the ungrateful ones had gained soundness of
body, yet their failure in this godly duty arose from ungodliness of
heart. And therefore, dearly-beloved, that this brand of
ingratitude may not be applied to you, return to the Lord, remembering the marvels which He has deigned to
perform among us; and ascribing our release not, as the ungodly
suppose, to the influences of the stars, but to the unspeakable mercy
of Almighty God, Who has deigned to soften the
hearts of raging barbarians, betake yourselves to the commemoration of
so great a benefit with all the vigour of faith. Grave neglect
must be atoned for by yet greater tokens of repentance. Let us
use the Mercy of Him, Who has spared us, to our own amendment, that the
blessed Peter and all the saints, who have always been near us in many
afflictions, may deign to aid our entreaties for you to the merciful
God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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