Übersetzung ausblenden
Homilien über die Bildsäulen (BKV)

Inhalt.

S. 312 Sechszehnte Homilie: Die gegenwärtige Homilie wurde gehalten, nachdem der Statthalter auf die Nachricht einer Plünderung, und daß Alle wegen der Flucht sich berathen, in die Kirche gekommen war und (die Anwesenden) getröstet hatte. Daß man nicht schwören soll. Über die Worte Pauli: „Paulus ein Gefangener um Jesu Christi willen ” ¹

Chrysostomus bedauert, daß die Antiochener nach so vielen Ermahnungen noch fremden, ja heidnischen Trostes bedürfen. Als Christen sollten sie es machen wie Job, als Menschen wie ein wackerer Steuermann bei stürmischer See. — Über das Schwören und zwar, daß es besser sei einen Geldverlust zu erleiden, als dem Nächsten einen Eid aufzutragen. Gott hat befohlen: „Du sollst nicht schwören!” Das soll uns, die wir doch menschlichen Gesetzen gehorchen, genügen. — Aus der betreffenden Lekion: „Paulus ein Gebundener Jesu Christi.” Erklärung und Beweis, daß S. 313 die Ketten und Bande den heiligen Paulus mehr verherrlichten als alle Gnadengaben des Herrn; denn jene sind ein Zeugniß seiner persönlichen Geduld und Standhaftigteit. — Paulus in Banden vor Festus und Agrippa. Wie sich der Apostel seiner Trübsale rühmt. Vortheile der Leiden. — Ermahnung an die Zuhörer, auch Andere zu belehren. —

Übersetzung ausblenden
Homilies of St. John Chrysostom

6.

There is a third reason by which I may possibly persuade you to have confidence; I mean, the present sacred season, ¹ which almost all, even unbelievers, respect; but to which this our divinely-favoured Emperor has shewn such reverence and honour, as to surpass all the Emperors who have reigned with a regard for religion before him. As a proof of this, by sending a letter on these days in honour of the feast, he liberated nearly all those who were lodged in prison; and this letter our Priest when he arrives will read to him; and remind him of his own laws, and will say to him, "Do thou exhort thyself, and remember thine own deeds! Thou hast an example for thy philanthropy at home! Thou didst choose to forbear from executing a justifiable slaughter, and wilt thou endure to perpetrate one that is unjust. Reverencing the feast, thou didst discharge those who had been convicted and condemned; and wilt thou, I ask, condemn the innocent, and those who have not committed any violence, and this when the sacred season is present? That be far from thee, O Emperor! Thou, speaking by this Epistle to all the cities, didst say, Would it were possible for me to raise even the dead.' This philanthropy and these words we now stand in need of. To conquer enemies, doth not render kings so illustrious, as to conquer wrath and anger; for in the former case, the success is due to arms and soldiers; but here the trophy is simply thine own, and thou hast no one to divide with thee the glory of thy moral wisdom. Thou hast overcome barbarian war, overcome also Imperial wrath! Let all unbelievers learn that the fear of Christ is able to bridle every kind of authority. Glorify thy Lord by forgiving the trespasses of thy fellow-servants; that He also may glorify thee the more; that at the Day of Judgment, He may bend on thee an Eye merciful and serene, being mindful of this thy lovingkindness!" This, and much more, he will say, and will assuredly rescue us from the Emperor's wrath. And not only will this fast be of the greatest assistance to us in influencing the Emperor in our favour, but also towards enduring what befalls us with fortitude; for we reap no small consolation from this season. For our very meeting together daily as we do, and having the benefit of hearing the divine Scriptures; and beholding each other; and weeping with each other; and praying, and receiving Benedictions, ² and so departing home, takes off the chief part of our distress.