• Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida © i= • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib and presents him as a model for ascetic devotional practices. Source: Odo John Zimmerman (ed. and trans.), Saint Gregory the Great, Dialogues (New York: The Fathers of the Church, 1959), 55-110. Further Reading: R. Markus, Gregory the Great and His World (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997). Book II Life and Miracles of St. Benedict Founder and Abbot of the Monastery Which Is Known as the Citadel of Campania. 24% Pagina162di712 ■ Posizione 7102 di 29647 Italians ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% H> Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note 1 ib There was a man of saintly life; blessed Benedict was his name, and he was blessed also with God's grace. Even in boyhood he showed mature understanding, for he kept his heart detached from every pleasure with a strength of character far beyond his years. While still living in the world, free to enjoy its earthly advantages, he saw how barren it was with its attractions and turned from it without regret. He was born in the district of Norcia198 of distinguished parents, who sent him back to Rome for a liberal education. But when he saw many of his fellow students falling headlong into vice, he stepped back from the threshold of the world in which he had just set foot. For he was afraid that if he acquired any of its learning, he, too, would later plunge, body and soul, into the 24% Pagina163di712 ■ Posizione 7109 di 29647 Italians ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4) 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib dread abyss. In his desire to please God alone, he turned his back on further studies, gave up home and inheritance and resolved to embrace the religious life. He took this step, well aware of his ignorance, yet wise, uneducated though he was. I was unable to learn about all his miraculous deeds.^ut the few that I am going to relate I know from the lips of four of his own disciples: Constantine, the holy man who succeeded him as abbot; Valentinian, for many years superior of the monastery at the Lateran; Simplicius, Benedict's second successor; and Honoratus, who is still abbot of the monastery where the man of God first lived. (1) When Benedict abandoned his studies to go into solitude, he was accompanied only by his nurse, who loved him dearly. As they were ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4) 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib passing through Affile, a number of devout men invited them to stay there and provided them with lodging near the Church of St. Peter. One day, after asking her neighbors to lend her a tray for cleaning wheat, the nurse happened to leave it on the edge of the table and when she came back found it had slipped off and broken in two. The poor woman burst into tears; she had only borrowed this tray and now it was ruined. Benedict, who had always been a devout and thoughtful boy, felt sorry for his nurse when he saw her weeping. Quietly picking up both the pieces, he knelt down by himself and prayed earnestly to God, even to the point of tears. No sooner had he finished his prayer than he noticed that the two pieces were joined together again, without even a mark to show where the tray had ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4) 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib been broken. Hurrying back at once, he cheerfully reassured his nurse and handed her the tray in perfect condition. News of the miracle spread to all the country around Affile and stirred up so much admiration among the people that they hung the tray at the entrance to their church. Ever since then it has been a reminder to all of the great holiness Benedict had acquired at the very outset of his monastic life. The tray remained there many years for everyone to see, and it is still hanging over the doorway of the church in these days of Lombard rule.199 Benedict, however, preferred to suffer ill-treatment from the world rather than enjoy its praises. He wanted to spend himself laboring for God, not to be honored by the applause of men. So he stole away secretly from ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4) 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib his nurse and fled to a lonely wilderness about thirty-five miles from Rome called Subiaco. A stream of cold, clear water running through the region broadens out at this point to form a lake, then flows off and continues on its course. On his way there Benedict met a monk named Romanus, who asked him where he was going. After discovering the young man's purpose, Romanus kept it secret and even helped him carry it out by clothing him with the monastic habit and supplying his needs as well as he could. At Subiaco, Benedict made his home in a narrow cave and for three years remained concealed there, unknown to anyone except the monk Romanus, who lived in a monastery close by under the rule of Abbot Deodatus. With fatherly concern this monk regularly set aside as ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida ^ 0 W V $ ^ 100% Hi QABC-esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © • O • II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v Aa □ mm Mostra Blocco Note J much bread as he could from his own portion; then from time to time, unnoticed by his abbot, bread to Benedict. There was no path leading from the monastery down to his cave because of a cliff that rose directly over it. To reach him Romanus had to tie the bread to the end of a long rope and lower it over the cliff. A little bell attached to the rope let Benedict know when the bread was there, and he would come out to get it. The ancient Enemy of mankind grew envious of the kindness shown by the older monk in supplying Benedict with food, and one day, as the bread was being lowered, he threw a stone at the bell and broke it. In spite of this, Romanus kept on with his faithful service. At length the time came when almighty God he left the monastery long enough to take the 25% Pagina163di712 ■ Posizione 7139 di 29647 ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4) 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib wished to grant him rest from his toil and reveal Benedict's virtuous life to others. Like a shining lamp his example was to be set on a lampstand to give light to everyone in God's house. The Lord therefore appeared in a vision to a priest some distance away, who had just prepared his Easter dinner. "How can you prepare these delicacies for yourself," He asked, "while my servant is out there in the wilds suffering from hunger?" Fusing at once, the priest wrapped up the food and set out to find the man of God that very day. He searched for him along the rough mountainsides, in the valleys, and through the caverns, until he found him hidden in the cave. They said a prayer of thanksgiving together and then sat down to talk about the spiritual life. After a while the priest suggested that they take ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% H> Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ UJ ib their meal. "Today is the great feast of Easter," he added. "It must be a great feast to have brought me this kind visit," the man of God replied, not realizing after his long separation from men that it was Easter Sunday. "Today is really Easter," the priest insisted, "the feast of our Lord's Resurrection. On such a solemn occasion you should not be fasting. Besides, I was sent here by almighty God so that both of us could share in His gifts." After that they said grace and began their meal. When it was over they conversed some more and then the priest went back to his church. At about the same time some shepherds also discovered Benedict's hiding place. When they 25% Pagina 164di712 ■ Posizione 7150di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% H> Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ UJ ib first looked through the thickets and caught sight of him clothed in rough skins, they mistook him for some wild animal. Soon, however, they recognized in him a servant of God, and many of them gave up their sinful ways for a life of holiness. As a result, his name became known to all the people in that locality and great numbers visited his cave, supplying him with the food he needed and receiving from his lips in return spiritual food for their souls. (2) One day, while the saint was alone, the Tempter came in the form of a little blackbird, which began to flutter in front of his face. It kept so close that he could easily have caught it in his hand. Instead, he made the sign of the cross and the bird flew away. The moment it left, he was seized with an unusually violent temptation. The 25% Pagina 164di712 ■ Posizione 7155 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4) 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:24 Q, © • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib evil spirit recalled to his mind a woman he had once seen, and before he realized it his emotions were carrying him away. Almost overcome in the struggle, he was on the point of abandoning the lonely wilderness, when suddenly with the help of God's grace he came to himself. He then noticed a thick patch of nettles and briers next to him. Throwing his garment aside he flung himself into the sharp thorns and stinging nettles. There he rolled and tossed until his whole body was in pain and covered with blood. Yet, once he had conquered pleasure through suffering, his torn and bleeding skin served to drain the poison of temptation from his body. Before long, the pain that was burning his whole body had put out the fires of evil in his heart. It was by exchanging these two fires that ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib he gained the victory over sin. So complete was his triumph that from then on, as he later told his disciples, he never experienced another temptation of this kind. Soon after, many forsook the world to place themselves under his guidance, for now that he was free from these temptations he was ready to instruct others in the practice of virtue. That is why Moses commanded the Levites to begin their service when they were twenty-five years old or more and to become guardians of the sacred vessels only at the age of fifty. Peter: The meaning of the passage you quote is becoming a little clearer to me now. Still, I wish you would explain it more fully. Gregory: It is a well-known fact, Peter, that temptations of the flesh are violent during youth, ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4) 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib whereas after the age of fifty concupiscence dies down. Now, the sacred vessels are the souls of the faithful. God's chosen servants must therefore obey and serve and tire themselves out with strenuous work as long as they are still subject to temptations. Only when full maturity has left them undisturbed by evil thoughts are they put in charge of the sacred vessels, for then they become teachers of souls. Peter: I like the way you interpreted that passage. Now that you have explained what it means, I hope you will continue with your account of the holy man's life. Gregory: (3) With the passing of this temptation, Benedict's soul, like a field cleared of briers, soon yielded a rich harvest of virtues. As word spread of his saintly life, the renown of his ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4) 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, O • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib name increased. One day the entire community from a nearby monastery200 came to see him. Their abbot had recently died, and they wanted the man of God to be their new superior. For some time he tried to discourage them by refusing their request, warning them that his way of life would never harmonize with theirs. But they kept insisting, until in the end he gave his consent. At the monastery he watched carefully over the religious spirit of the monks and would not tolerate any of their previous disobedience. No one was allowed to turn from the straight path of monastic discipline either to the right or to the left. Their waywardness, however, clashed with the standards he upheld, and in their resentment they started to reproach themselves for choosing him as abbot. It only made them the more sullen 25% Pagina 164di712 ■ Posizione 7178 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □UJ| Mostra Blocco Note J ib to find him curbing every fault and every evil habit. They could not see why they should have to force their settled minds into new ways of thinking. At length, proving once again that the very life of the just is a burden to the wicked, they tried to find a means of doing away with him and decided to poison his wine. A glass pitcher containing this poisoned drink was presented to the man of God during his meal for the customary blessing. As he made the sign of the cross over it with his hand, the pitcher was shattered, even though it was well beyond his reach at the time. It broke at his blessing as if he had struck it with stone. Then he realized it had contained a deadly drink which could not bear the sign of life. Still calm and undisturbed, he rose at once and, after ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib gathering the community together, addressed them. "May almighty God have mercy on you," he said. "Why did you conspire to do this? Did I not tell you at the outset that my way of life would never harmonize with yours? Go and find yourselves an abbot to your liking. It is impossible for me to stay here any longer." Then he went back to the wilderness he loved, to live alone with himself in the presence of his heavenly Father. Peter: I am not quite sure I understand what you mean by saying "to live with himself." Gregory: These monks had an outlook on religious life entirely unlike his own and were all conspiring against him. Now, if he had tried to force them to remain under his rule, he might have forfeited his own fervor and peace of soul and even turned his eyes from the light of ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib contemplation. Their persistent daily faults would have left him almost too weary to look to his own needs, and he would perhaps have forsaken himself without finding them. For, whenever anxieties carry us out of ourselves unduly, we are no longer with ourselves even though we still remain what we are. We are too distracted with other matters to give any attention whatever to ourselves. Surely we cannot describe as "with himself" the young man who traveled to a distant country where he wasted his inheritance and then, after hiring himself out to one of its citizens to feed swine, had to watch them eat their fill of pods while he went hungry. Do we not read in Scripture that, as he was considering all he had lost, "he came to himself and said, 'how many ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib hired servants there are in my father's house that have more bread than they can eat'"? If he was already "with himself," how could he have come "to himself"? Blessed Benedict, on the contrary, can be said to have lived "with himself" because at all times he kept such close watch over his life and actions. By searching continually into his own soul he always beheld himself in the presence of his Creator. And this kept his mind from straying off to the world outside. Peter: But what of Peter the Apostle when he was led out of prison by an angel? According to the Scriptures, he, too, "came to himself." "Now I can tell for certain," he said, "that the Lord has sent his angel, to deliver me out of Herod's hands, and from all that the people of the Jews hoped to ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib see." Gregory: There are two ways in which we can be carried out of ourselves, Peter. Either we fall below ourselves through sins of thought or we are lifted above ourselves by the grace of contemplation. The young man who fed the swine sank below himself as a result of his shiftless ways and his unclean life. The Apostle Peter was also out of himself when the angel set him free and raised him to a state of ecstasy, but he was above himself. In coming to themselves again, the former had to break with his sinful past before he could find his true and better self, whereas the latter merely returned from the heights of contemplation to his ordinary state of mind. Now, the saintly Benedict really lived "with ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib himself" out in that lonely wilderness by always keeping his thoughts recollected. Yet he must have left his own self far below each time he was drawn heavenward in fervent contemplation. Peter: I am very grateful to you for that explanation. Do you think it was right, though, for him to forsake this community, once he had taken it under his care? Gregory: In my opinion, Peter, a superior ought to bear patiently with a community of evil men as long as it has some devout members who can benefit from his presence. When none of the members is devout enough to give any promise of good results, his efforts to help such a community will prove to be a serious mistake, especially if there are opportunities nearby to work more fruitfully for God. Was there anyone the holy man 25% Pagina165di712 ■ Posizione 7212 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib could have hoped to protect by staying where he was, after he saw that they were all united against him? In this matter we cannot afford to overlook the attitude of the saints. When they find their work producing no results in one place, they move on to another where it can do some good. This explains the action of the blessed Apostle Paul. In order to escape from Damascus, where he was being persecuted, he secured a basket and a rope and had himself secretly lowered over the wall. Yet this outstanding preacher of the Gospel longed to depart and be with Christ, since for him life meant Christ, and death was a prize to be won. Besides being eager for the trials of persecution himself, he even inspired others to endure them. Can we say that Paul feared death, ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf □ abc - esteso Mer 09:25 O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl ib when he expressly declared that he longed to die for the love of Christ? Surely not. But, when he saw how little he was accomplishing at Damascus in spite of all his toil, he saved himself for more fruitful labors elsewhere. God's fearless warrior refused to be held back inside the walls and sought the open field of battle. Peter: I am sure your conclusion is correct, after the simple proof you gave and that striking example from sacred Scripture. Would you be good enough to return now to the story of this great abbot's life? Gregory: As Benedict's influence spread over the surrounding countryside because of his signs and wonders, a great number of men gathered round him to devote themselves to God's service. Christ blessed his work and before long he had 25% Pagina166di712 ■ Posizione 7224 di 29647 Italians ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ml Mostra Blocco Note ib established twelve monasteries there, with an abbot and twelve monks in each of them. There were a few monks whom he kept with him, since he felt that they still needed his personal guidance. It was about this time that pious noblemen from Rome first came to visit the saint and left their sons with him to be schooled in the service of God. Thus, Euthicius brought his son Maurus; and Senator Tertullus, Placid—both very promising boys. Maurus, in fact, who was a little older, had already acquired solid virtue and was soon very helpful to his saintly master. But Placid was still only a child. (4) In one of the monasteries Benedict had founded in that locality, there was a monk who would never remain with the rest of the ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib community for silent prayer. Instead, he left the chapel as soon as they knelt down to pray, and passed the time aimlessly at whatever happened to interest him. His abbot corrected him repeatedly and at length sent him to the man of God. This time the monk received a stern rebuke for his folly and after his return took the correction to heart for a day or two, only to fall back the third day into his old habit of wandering off during the time of prayer. On learning of this from the abbot, the man of God sent word that he was coming over himself to see that the monk mended his ways. Upon his arrival at the monastery, Benedict joined the community in the chapel at the regular hour. After they had finished chanting the psalms and had begun their silent prayer, he noticed that ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib the restless monk was drawn outside by a little black boy who was pulling at the edge of his habit. "Do you see who is leading that monk out of the chapel?" he whispered to Abbot Pompeianus and Maurus. "No," they replied. "Let us pray, then," he said, "that you may see what is happening to him." They prayed for two days, and after that Maurus also saw what was taking place, but Abbot Pompeianus still could not. The next day, when prayers were over, Benedict found the offender loitering outside and struck him with his staff for being so obstinate of heart. From then on the monk remained quietly at prayer like ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib the rest, without being bothered again by the Tempter. It was as if that ancient Enemy had been struck by the blow himself and was afraid to domineer over the monk's thoughts any longer. (5) Three of the monasteries the saint had built close by stood on the bare rocky heights. It was a real hardship for these monks always to go down to the lake to get water for their daily needs. Besides, the slope was steep and they found the descent very dangerous. The members of the three communities therefore came in a body to see the servant of God. After explaining how difficult it was for them to climb down the mountainside every day for their water supply, they assured him that the only solution was to have the monasteries moved somewhere else. Benedict answered them with fatherly words ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib of encouragement and sent them back. That same night, in company with the little boy Placid, he climbed to the rocky heights and prayed there for a long time. On finishing his prayer, he placed three stones together to indicate the spot where he had knelt and then went back to his monastery, unnoticed by anyone. The following day, when the monks came again with their request, he told them to go to the summit of the mountain. "You will find three stones there," he said, "one on top of the other. If you dig down a little, you will see that almighty God has the power to bring forth water even from that rocky summit and in His goodness relieve you of the hardship of such a long climb." Going back to the place he had described, they noticed that the surface was already moist. As ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib soon as they had dug the ground away, water filled the hollow and welled up in such abundance that today a full stream is still flowing from the top of the mountain into the ravine below. (6) At another time a simple, sincere Goth came to Subiaco to become a monk, and blessed Benedict was very happy to admit him. One day he had him take a brush hook and clear away the briers from a place at the edge of the lake where a garden was to be planted. While the Goth was hard at work cutting down the thick brush, the iron blade slipped off the handle and flew into a very deep part of the lake, where there was no hope of recovering it. At this the poor man ran trembling to Maurus and, after describing the accident, told him how ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ ID ib sorry he was for his carelessness. Maurus in turn informed the servant of God, who on hearing what had happened went down to the lake, took the handle from the Goth and thrust it in the water. Immediately the iron blade rose from the bottom of the lake and slipped back onto the handle. Then he handed the tool back to the Goth and told him, "Continue with your work now. There is no need to be upset." (7) Once while blessed Benedict was in his room, one of his monks, the boy Placid, went down to the lake to draw water. In letting the bucket fill too rapidly, he lost his balance and was pulled into the lake, where the current quickly seized him and carried him about a stone's throw from the shore. Though inside the monastery at the time, the man of God was instantly aware of 25% Pagina167di712 ■ Posizione 7262 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ UJ Mostra Blocco Note ib what had happened and called out to Maurus: "Hurry, Brother Maurus! The boy who just went down for water has fallen into the lake, and the current is carrying him away." What followed was remarkable indeed, and unheard of since the time of Peter the Apostle! Maurus asked for the blessing and on receiving it hurried out to fulfill his abbot's command. He kept on running even over the water till he reached the place where Placid was drifting along helplessly. Pulling him up by the hair, Maurus rushed back to shore, still under the impression that he was on dry land. It was only when he set foot on the ground that he came to himself and looking back realized that he had been running on the surface of the water. Overcome with fear and amazement at a deed he would never have 25% Pagina167di712 ■ Posizione 7268 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ml Mostra Blocco Note J ib thought possible, he returned to his abbot and told him what had taken place. The holy man would not take any personal credit for the deed, but attributed it to the obedience of his disciple. Maurus, on the contrary, claimed that it was due entirely to his abbot's command. He could not have been responsible for the miracle himself, he said, since he had not even known he was performing it. While they were carrying on this friendly contest of humility, the question was settled by the boy who had been rescued. "When I was being drawn out of the water," he told them, "I saw the abbot's cloak over my head; he is the one I thought was bringing me to shore." Peter: What marvelous deeds these are! They are sure to prove inspiring to all who hear of ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib them. Indeed, the more you tell me about this great man, the more eager I am to keep on listening. Gregory: (8) By this time the people of that whole region for miles around had grown fervent in their love for Christ, and many of them had forsaken the world in order to bring their hearts under the light yoke of the Savior. Now, in a neighboring church there was a priest named Florentius, the grandfather of our subdeacon Florentius. Urged on by the bitter Enemy of mankind, this priest set out to undermine the saint's work. And envious as the wicked always are of the holiness in others which they are not striving to acquire themselves, he denounced Benedict's way of life and kept everyone he could from visiting him. ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib The progress of the saint's work, however, could not be stopped. His reputation for holiness kept on growing, and with it the number of vocations to a more perfect state of life. This infuriated Florentius all the more. He still longed to enjoy the praise the saint was receiving, yet he was unwilling to lead a praiseworthy life himself. At length, his soul became so blind with jealousy that he decided to poison a loaf of bread and send it to the servant of God as though it was a sign of Christian fellowship. Though aware at once of the deadly poison it contained, Benedict thanked him for the gift. At mealtime a raven used to come out of the nearby woods to receive food from the saint's hands. On this occasion he set the poisoned loaf in front of it and said, "In the name of our Lord ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib Jesus Christ, take this bread and carry it to a place where no one will be able to find it." The raven started to caw and circled round the loaf of bread with open beak and flapping wings as if to indicate that it was willing to obey, but found it impossible to do so. Several times the saint repeated the command. "Take the bread," he said, "and do not be afraid! Take it away from here and leave it where no one will find it." After hesitating a long while, the raven finally took the loaf in its beak and flew away. About three hours later, when it had disposed of the bread, it returned and received its usual meal from the hands of the man of God. The saintly abbot now realized how deep the resentment of his enemy was, and he felt grieved not so much for his own sake as for the priest's. ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib But Florentius, after his failure to do away with the master, determined instead to destroy the souls of the disciples and for this purpose sent seven depraved women into the garden of Benedict's monastery. There they joined hands and danced together for some time within sight of his followers, in an attempt to lead them into sin. When the saint noticed this from his window, he began to fear that some of his younger monks might go astray. Convinced that the priest's hatred for him was the real cause of this attack, he let envy have its way, and, taking only a few monks with him, set out to find a new home. Before he left, he reorganized all the monasteries he had founded, appointing priors to assist in governing them, and adding some new members 25% Pagina167di712 ■ Posizione 7295 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ ID Mostra Blocco Note ib to the communities. Hardly had the man of God made his humble escape from all this bitterness when almighty God struck the priest down with terrible vengeance. As he was standing on the balcony of his house congratulating himself on Benedict's departure, the structure suddenly collapsed, crushing him to death, though the rest of the building remained undamaged. This accident occurred before the saint was even ten miles away. His disciple Maurus immediately decided to send a messenger with the news and ask him to return, now that the priest who had caused him so much trouble was dead. Benedict was overcome with sorrow and regret on hearing this, for not only had his enemy been killed, but one of his own disciples had rejoiced over his death. And 25% Pagina168di712 ■ Posizione 7301 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ml ib for showing pleasure in such a message he gave Maurus a penance to perform. Peter: This whole account is really amazing. The water streaming from the rock reminds me of Moses, and the iron blade that rose from the bottom of the lake, of Eliseus. The walking on the water recalls St. Peter, the obedience of the raven, Elias, and the grief at the death of an enemy, David. This man must have been filled with the spirit of all the just. Gregory: Actually, Peter, blessed Benedict possessed the Spirit of only one Person, the Savior who fills the hearts of all the faithful by granting them the fruits of His Redemption. For St. John says of Him, "There is one who enlightens every soul born into the world; he was the true light."201 And again, "we have all received Mostra Blocco Note J ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib something out of his abundance."202 Holy men never were able to hand on to others the miraculous powers which they received from God. Our Savior was the only one to give His followers the power to work signs and wonders, just as He alone could assure His enemies that He would give them the sign of the prophet Jonas. Seeing this sign fulfilled in His death, the proud looked on with scorn. The humble, who saw its complete fulfillment in His rising from the dead, turned to Him with reverence and love. In this mystery, then, the proud beheld Him dying in disgrace, whereas the humble witnessed His triumph over death. Peter: Now that you have finished explaining this, please tell me where the holy man settled after his departure. Do you know whether he ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ ID ib performed any more miracles? Gregory: Although he moved to a different place, Peter, his enemy remained the same. In fact, the assaults he had to endure after this were all the more violent, because the very Master of evil was fighting against him in open battle. The fortified town of Cassino'lies at the foot of a towering mountain that shelters it within its slope and stretches upward over a distance of nearly three miles.203 On its summit stood a very old temple, in which the ignorant country people still worshipped Apollo as their pagan ancestors had done, and went on offering superstitious and idolatrous sacrifices in groves dedicated to various demons. When the man of God arrived at this spot, he 25% Pagina168di712 ■ Posizione 7319 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib destroyed the idol, overturned the altar and cut down the trees in the sacred groves.204 Then he turned the temple of Apollo into a chapel dedicated to St. Martin,205 and where Apollo's altar had stood, he built a chapel in honor of St. John the Baptist. Gradually, the people of the countryside were won over to the true faith by his zealous preaching. Such losses the ancient Enemy could not bear in silence. This time he did not appear to the saint in a dream or under a disguise, but met him face to face and objected fiercely to the outrages he had to endure. His shouts were so loud that the brethren heard him, too, although they were unable to see him. According to the saint's own description, the Devil had an appearance utterly revolting to human eyes. He was enveloped in fire ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib and, when he raged against the man of God, flames darted from his eyes and mouth. Everyone could hear what he was saying. First he called Benedict by name. Then, finding that the saint would not answer, he broke out in abusive language. "Benedict, Benedict, blessed Benedict!" he would begin, and then add, "You cursed Benedict! Cursed, not blessed! What do you want with me? Why are you tormenting me like this?" From now on, Peter, as you can well imagine, the Devil fought against the man of God with renewed violence. But, contrary to his plans, all these attacks only supplied the saint with further opportunities for victory. (9) One day while the monks were constructing a section of the abbey, they noticed a rock lying close at hand and decided to use it in ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib the building. When two or three did not succeed in lifting it, others joined in to help. Yet it remained fixed in its place as though it was rooted to the ground. Then they were sure that the Devil himself was sitting on this stone and preventing them from moving it in spite of all their efforts. Faced with this difficulty, they asked Abbot Benedict to come and use his prayers to drive away the Devil who was holding down the rock. The saint began to pray as soon as he got there, and after he had finished and made the sign of the cross, the monks picked up the rock with such care that it seemed to have lost all its previous weight. (10) The abbot then directed them to spade up the earth where the stone had been. When they had dug a little way into the ground they came ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib upon a bronze idol, which they threw into the kitchen for the time being. Suddenly the kitchen appeared to be on fire and everyone felt that the entire building was going up in flames. The noise and commotion they made in their attempt to put out the blaze by pouring on buckets of water brought Benedict to the scene. Unable to see the fire which appeared so real to his monks, he quietly bowed his head in prayer and soon had opened their eyes to the foolish mistake they were making. Now, instead of the flames the evil spirit had devised, they once more saw the kitchen standing intact. (11) On another occasion they were working on one of the walls that had to be built a little higher. The man of God was in his room at the time, praying, when the Devil appeared to him ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib and remarked sarcastically that he was on his way to visit the brethren at their work. Benedict quickly sent them word to be on their guard against the evil spirit who would soon be with them. Just as they received his warning, the Devil overturned the wall, crushing under its ruins the body of a very young monk who was the son of a tax collector. Unconcerned about the damaged wall in their grief and dismay over the loss of their brother, the monks hurried to Abbot Benedict to let him know of the dreadful accident. He told them to bring the mangled body to his room. It had to be carried in on a blanket, for the wall had not only broken the boy's arms and legs but had crushed all the bones in his body. The saint had the remains placed on the reed matting where he ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib used to pray and after that told them all to leave. Then he closed the door and knelt down to offer his most earnest prayers to God. That very hour, to the astonishment of all, he sent the boy back to his work as sound and healthy as he had been before. Thus, in spite of the Devil's attempt to mock the man of God by causing this tragic death, the young monk was able to rejoin his brethren and help them finish the wall. Meanwhile, Benedict began to manifest the spirit of prophecy by foretelling future events and by describing to those who were with him what they had done in his absence. (12) It was a custom of the house, strictly observed as a matter of regular discipline, that monks away on business did not take food or drink outside the monastery. One day, a few of • Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida Q abc - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, O '- • O • II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Biblioteca < Indietro O Vai a *• Aa H Mostra Blocco Note them went out on assignment which kept them occupied till rather late. They stopped for a meal ^ at the house of a devout woman they knew in the neighborhood. On their return, when they presented themselves to the abbot for the usual blessing, he asked them where they had taken their meal. "Nowhere," they answered. "Why are you lying to me?" he said. "Did you not enter the house of this particular woman and eat these various foods and have so many cups to drink?" On hearing him mention the woman's hospitality and exactly what she had given them to eat and drink, they clearly recalled the wrong they had done, fell trembling at his feet, and confessed their guilt. The man of God did not 25% Pagina169di712 ■ Posizione 7360 di 29647 ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib hesitate to pardon them, confident that they would do no further wrong in his absence, since they now realized he was always present with them in spirit. (13) The monk Valentinian, mentioned earlier in our narrative, had a brother who was a very devout layman. Every year he visited the abbey in order to get Benedict's blessing and see his brother. On the way he always used to fast. Now, one time as he was making this journey he was joined by another traveler who had brought some food along. "Come," said the stranger after some time had passed, "let us have something to eat before we become too fatigued." "I am sorry," the devout layman replied. "I always fast on my way to visit Abbot Benedict." ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib After that the traveler was quiet for a while. But when they had walked along some distance together, he repeated his suggestion. Still mindful of his good resolve, Valentinian's brother again refused. His companion did not insist and once more agreed to accompany him a little further without eating. Then, after they had covered a great distance together and were very tired from the long hours of walking, they came upon a meadow and a spring. The whole setting seemed ideal for a much needed rest. "Look," said the stranger, "water and a meadow! What a delightful spot for us to have some refreshments! A little rest will give us strength to finish our journey without any discomfort." It was such an attractive sight and this third 25% Pagina170di712 ■ Posizione 7372 di 29647 ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib invitation sounded so appealing that the devout layman was completely won over and stopped there to eat with his companion. Toward evening he arrived at the monastery and was presented to the abbot. As soon as he asked for the blessing, however, the holy man reproved him for his conduct on the journey. "How is it," he said, "that the evil spirit who spoke with you in the person of your traveling companion could not persuade you to do his will the first and second time he tried, but succeeded on his third attempt?" At this Valentinian's brother fell at Benedict's feet and admitted the weakness of his will. The thought that even from such a distance the saint had witnessed the wrong he had done filled him with shame and remorse. Peter: This proves that the servant of God ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:25 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib possessed the spirit of Eliseus. He, too, was present with one of his followers who was far away. Gregory: If you will listen a little longer, Peter, I have an incident to tell you that is even more astonishing. (14) Once while the Goths were still in power, Totila their king happened to be marching in the direction of Benedict's monastery.206 When still some distance away, he halted with his troops and sent a messenger ahead to announce his coming, for he had heard that the man of God possessed the gift of prophecy. As soon as he received word that he would be welcomed, the crafty king decided to put the saint's prophetic powers to a test. He had Riggo, his sword-bearer, fitted out with royal robes and riding boots and directed him to go in ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib this disguise to the man of God. Vul, Ruderic, and Blidin, three men from his own bodyguard, were to march at his side as if he really were king of the Goths. To supplement these marks of kingship, Totila also provided him with a sword-bearer and other attendants. As Riggo entered the monastery grounds in his kingly robes and with all his attendants, Benedict caught sight of him and as soon as the company came within hearing called out from where he sat, "Son, lay aside the robes you are wearing," he said. "Lay them aside. They do not belong to you." Aghast at seeing what a great man he had tried to mock, Riggo sank to the ground, and with him all the members of his company. Even after they had risen to their feet they did not dare approach the saint, but hurried back in alarm to tell their king ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib how quickly they had been detected. (15) King Totila then went to the monastery in person. The moment he noticed the man of God sitting at a distance, he was afraid to come any closer and fell down prostrate where he was. Two or three times Benedict asked him to rise. When Totila still hesitated to do so in his presence, the servant of Christ walked over to him and with his own hands helped him from the ground. Then he rebuked the king for his crimes and briefly foretold everything that was going to happen to him. "You are the cause of many evils," he said. "You have caused many in the past. Put an end now to your wickedness. You will enter Rome and cross the sea. You will have nine more years to rule, and in the tenth year you will die." Terrified at these words, the king asked for a ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib blessing and went away. From that time on he was less cruel. Not long after, he went to Rome and then crossed over to Sicily. In the tenth year of his reign he lost his kingdom and his life as almighty God had decreed. There is also a story about the bishop of Canosa,207 who made regular visits to the abbey and stood high in Benedict's esteem because of his saintly life. Once while they were discussing Totila's invasion and the downfall of Rome, the bishop said, "The city will be destroyed by this king and left without a single inhabitant." "No," Benedict assured him, "Rome will not be destroyed by the barbarians. It will be shaken by tempests and lightnings, hurricanes and earthquakes, until finally it lies buried in its own ruins." 25% Pagina 170 di 712 ■ Posizione 7400 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib The meaning of this prophecy is perfectly clear to us now. We have watched the walls of Rome crumble and have seen its homes in ruins, its churches destroyed by violent storms, and its dilapidated buildings surrounded by their own debris. Benedict's disciple Honoratus, who told me about the prophecy, admits he did not hear it personally, but he assures me that some of his brethren gave him this account of it. (16) At about the same time there was a cleric from the church at Aquino208 who was being tormented by an evil spirit. Constantius, his saintly bishop, had already sent him to the shrines of various martyrs in the hope that he would be cured. But the holy martyrs did not grant him this favor, preferring instead to reveal ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib the wonderful gifts of the servant of God. As soon as the cleric was brought to him, Benedict drove out the evil spirit with fervent prayers to Christ. Before sending him back to Aquino, however, he told him to abstain from meat thereafter and never to advance to sacred orders. "If you ignore this warning," he added, "and present yourself for ordination, you will find yourself once more in the power of Satan." The cleric left completely cured, and as long as his previous torments were still fresh in his mind he did exactly as the man of God had ordered. Then with the passing of years, all his seniors in the clerical state died, and he had to watch newly ordained young men moving ahead of him in rank. Finally, he pretended to have forgotten about the saint's warning and, disregarding it, 26% Pagina171di712 ■ Posizione 7414 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib presented himself for ordination. Instantly he was seized by the Devil and tormented mercilessly until he died. Peter: The servant of God must even have been aware of the hidden designs of Providence, to have realized that this cleric had been handed over to Satan to keep him from aspiring to holy orders. Gregory: Is there any reason why a person who has observed the commandments of God should not also know God's secret designs? "The man who unites himself to the Lord becomes one spirit with him,"209 we read in sacred Scripture. Peter: If everyone who unites himself to the Lord becomes one spirit with him, what does the renowned apostle mean when he asks, "Who has ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib ever understood the Lord's thoughts, or been his counselor?"210 It hardly seems possible to be one spirit with a person without knowing his thoughts. Gregory: Holy men do know the Lord's thoughts, Peter, in so far as they are one with Him. This is clear from the apostle's words, "Who else can know a man's thoughts, except the man's own spirit that is within him? So no one else can know God's thoughts but the Spirit of God."211 To show that he actually knew God's thoughts, St. Paul added: "And what we have received is no spirit of worldly wisdom; it is the Spirit that comes from God."212 And again: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human heart conceived, the welcome God has prepared for those who love him. To us, then, God has made a revelation of it ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib through his Spirit."213 Peter: If it is true that God's thoughts are revealed to the apostle by the Holy Spirit, how could he introduce his statement with the words, "How deep is the mine of God's wisdom, of his knowledge; how inscrutable are his judgments, how undiscoverable his ways!"214 Another difficulty just occurred to me now as I was speaking. In addressing the Lord, David the Prophet declares, "With my lips I have pronounced all the judgments of thy mouth."215 Surely it is a greater achievement to express one's knowledge than merely to possess it. How is it, then, that St. Paul calls the judgments of God inscrutable, whereas David says he knows them all and has even pronounced them with his lips? ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl ib Gregory: I already gave a brief reply to both of these objections when I told you that holy men know God's thoughts in so far as they are one with Him. For all who follow the Lord wholeheartedly are living in spiritual union with Him. As long as they are still weighed down with a perishable body, however, they are not actually united to Him. It is only to the extent that they are one with God that they know His hidden judgments. In so far as they are not yet one with Him, they do not know them. Since even holy men cannot fully grasp the secret designs of God during this present life, they call His judgments inscrutable. At the same time, they understand His judgments and can even pronounce them with their lips; for they keep their hearts united to God by dwelling continually on the words of Mostra Blocco Note J ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib holy Scripture and on such private revelations as they may receive, until they grasp His meaning. In other words, they do not know the judgments which God conceals but only those which He reveals. That is why, after declaring, "With my lips I have pronounced all the judgments," the Prophet immediately adds the phrase, "of thy mouth," as if to say, "I can know and pronounce only the judgments You have spoken to me. Those You leave unspoken must remain hidden from our minds."216 So the Prophet and the apostle are in full agreement. God's decisions are truly unfathomable. But, once His mouth has made them known, they can also be proclaimed by human lips. What God has spoken man can know. Of the thoughts He has kept secret man can know nothing. ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 100% WSf Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib Peter: That is certainly a reasonable solution to the difficulties that I raised. If you know any other miraculous events in this man's life, would you continue with them now? Gregory: (17) Under the direction of Abbot Benedict a nobleman named Theoprobus had embraced monastic life. Because of his exemplary life he enjoyed the saint's personal friendship and confidence. One day, on entering Benedict's room, he found him weeping bitterly. After he had waited for some time and there was still no end to the abbot's tears, he asked what was causing him such sorrow, for he was not weeping as he usually did at prayer, but with deep sighs and lamentation. "Almighty God has decreed that this entire monastery and everything I have provided for the 26% Pagina172di712 ■ Posizione 7454 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib community shall fall into the hands of the barbarians," the saint replied. "It was only with the greatest difficulty that I could prevail upon Him to spare the lives of its members." This was the prophecy he made to Theoprobus, and we have seen its fulfillment in the recent destruction of his abbey by the Lombards.217 They came at night while the community was asleep and plundered the entire monastery, without capturing a single monk. In this way God fulfilled His promise to Benedict, His faithful servant. He allowed the barbarians to destroy the monastery, but safeguarded the lives of the religious. Here you can see how the man of God resembled St. Paul, who had the consolation of seeing everyone with him escape alive from the storm, while the ship and all its cargo were lost. ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib (18) Exhilaratus, a fellow Roman who, as you know, later became a monk was once sent by his master to Abbot Benedict with two wooden flasks of wine. He delivered only one of them, however; the other he hid along the way Benedict, who could observe even what was done in his absence, thanked him for the flask, but warned him as he turned to go: "Son, be sure not to drink from the flask you have hidden away. Tilt it carefully and you will see what is inside." Exhilaratus left in shame and confusion and went back to the spot, still wishing to verify the saint's words. As he tilted the flask a serpent crawled out, and at the sight of it he was filled with horror for his misdeed. (19) Not far from the monastery was a village largely inhabited by people the saintly Benedict A6A ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib had converted from the worship of idols and instructed in the true faith. There were seven nuns living there too, and he used to send one of his monks down to give them spiritual conferences. After one of these instructions they presented the monk with a few handkerchiefs, which he accepted and hid away in his habit. As soon as he got back to the abbey he received a stern reproof. "How is it," the abbot asked him, "that evil has found its way into your heart?" Taken completely by surprise, the monk did not understand why he was being rebuked, for he had completely forgotten about the handkerchiefs. "Was I not present," the saint continued, "when you accepted those handkerchiefs from the handmaids of God and hid them away in your 26% Pagina172di712 ■ Posizione 7472 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib habit?" The offender instantly fell at Benedict's feet, confessed his fault, and gave up the present he had received. (20) Once when the saintly abbot was taking his evening meal, a young monk whose father was a high-ranking official happened to be holding the lamp for him. As he stood at the abbot's table the spirit of pride began to stir in his heart. "Who is this," he thought to himself, "that I should have to stand here holding the lamp for him while he is eating? Who am I to be serving him?" Turning to him at once, Benedict gave the monk a sharp reprimand. "Brother," he said, "sign your heart with the sign of the cross. What are you saying? Sign your heart!" Then, calling the others together, he had one of them take the lamp 26% Pagina172di712 ■ Posizione 7478 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl ib instead, and told the murmurer to sit down by himself and be quiet. Later, when asked what he had done wrong, the monk explained how he had given in to the spirit of pride and silently murmured against the man of God. At this the brethren all realized that nothing could be kept secret from their holy abbot, since he could hear even the unspoken sentiments of the heart. (21) During a time of famine the severe shortage of food was causing a great deal of suffering in Campania. At Benedict's monastery the entire grain supply had been used up and nearly all the bread was gone as well. In fact, when mealtime came, only five loaves could be found to set before the community. Noticing how downcast they were, the saint gently reproved them for their lack of trust in God and at the same 26% Pagina172di712 ■ Posizione 7483 di 29647 Italia Mostra Blocco Note J ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib time tried to raise their dejected spirits with a comforting assurance. "Why are you so depressed at the lack of bread!" he asked. "What if today there is only a little? Tomorrow you will have more than you need." The next day 200 measures of flour were found in sacks at the gate of the monastery, but no one ever discovered whose services almighty God had employed in bringing them there. When they saw what had happened, the monks were filled with gratitude and learned from this miracle that even in their hour of need they must not lose faith in the bountiful goodness of God. Peter: Are we to believe that the spirit of prophecy remained with the servant of God at all times, or did he receive it only on special occasion? ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib Gregory: The spirit of prophecy does not enlighten the minds of the prophets constantly, Peter. We read in sacred Scripture that the Holy Spirit breathes where He pleases, and we should also realize that He breathes when He pleases. For example, when King David asked whether he could build a temple, the Prophet Nathan gave his consent, but later had to withdraw it. And Eliseus once found a woman in tears without knowing the reason for her grief. This is why he told his servant who was trying to interfere, "Let her alone, for her soul is in anguish and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me." All this reflects God's boundless wisdom and love. By granting these men the spirit of prophecy He raises their minds above the world, and by withdrawing it again He safeguards their 26% Pagina173di712 ■ Posizione 7494 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O :E • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ UJ ib humility. When the spirit of prophecy is with them they learn what they are by God's mercy. When the spirit leaves them they discover what they are of themselves. Peter: This convincing argument leaves no room for doubt about the truth of what you say. Please resume your narrative now, if you recall any other incidents in the life of the blessed Benedict. Gregory: (22) A Catholic layman once asked him to found a monastery on his estate at Terracina. The servant of God readily consented and, after selecting several of his monks for this undertaking, appointed one of them abbot and another his assistant. Before they left he specified a day on which he would come to show them where to build the chapel, the refectory, a house 26% Pagina173di712 ■ Posizione 7500 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf □ abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib for guests, and the other buildings they would need. Then he gave them his blessing. After their arrival at Terracina they looked forward eagerly to the day he had set for his visit and prepared to receive the monks who would accompany him. Before dawn of the appointed day, Benedict appeared in a dream to the new abbot as well as to his prior and showed them exactly where each section of the monastery was to stand. In the morning they told each other what they had seen, but, instead of putting their entire trust in the vision, they kept waiting for the promised visit. When the day passed without any word from Benedict, they returned to him disappointed. "Father," they said, "we were waiting for you to show us where to build, as you assured us you would, but you did not come." 26% Pagina173di712 ■ Posizione 7505 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 q, O ~ • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib "What do you mean?" he replied. "Did I not come as I promised?" "When?" they asked. "Did I not appear to both of you in a dream as you slept and indicate where each building was to stand? Go back and build as you were directed in the vision." They returned to Terracina, filled with wonder, and constructed the monastery according to the plans he had revealed to them. Peter: I wish you would explain how Benedict could possibly travel that distance and then in a vision give these monks directions which they could hear and understand while they were asleep. Gregory: What is there in this incident that 26% Pagina173di712 ■ Posizione 7511 di 29647 Italiann o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf □ abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O ~ • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib should raise a doubt in your mind, Peter? Everyone knows that the soul is far more agile than the body. Yet we have it on the authority of holy Scripture that the Prophet Habacuc was lifted from Judea to Chaldea in an instant, so that he might share his dinner with the Prophet Daniel, and presently found himself back in Judea again. If Habacuc could cover such a distance in a brief moment to take a meal to his fellow Prophet, is it not understandable that Abbot Benedict could go in spirit to his sleeping brethren with the information they required? As the Prophet came in body with food for the body, Benedict came in spirit to promote the life of the soul. Peter: Your words seem to smooth away all my doubts. Could you tell me now what this saint was like in his everyday speech? 26% Pagina173di712 ■ Posizione 7516 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf □ abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note 1 ib Gregory: (23) There was a trace of the marvelous in nearly every thing he said, Peter, and his words never failed to take effect because his heart was fixed in God. Even when he uttered a simple threat that was indefinite and conditional, it was just as decisive as a final verdict. Some distance from the abbey two women of noble birth were leading the religious life in their own home. A God-fearing layman was kind enough to bring them what they needed from the outside world. Unfortunately, as is sometimes the case, their character stood in sharp contrast to the nobility of their birth, and they were too conscious of their former importance to practice true humility toward others. Even under the restraining influence of religious life they still 26% Pagina173di712 ■ Posizione 7522 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf □ abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note 1 ] ib had not learned to control their tongues, and the good layman who served them so faithfully was often provoked at their harsh criticisms. After putting up with their insults for a long time, he went to blessed Benedict and told him how inconsiderate they were. The man of God immediately warned them to curb their sharp tongues and added that he would have to excommunicate them if they did not. This sentence of excommunication was not actually pronounced, therefore, but only threatened. A short time afterward the two nuns died without any sign of amendment and were buried in their parish church. Whenever Mass was celebrated, their old nurse, who regularly made an offering for them, noticed that each time the deacon announced, "The non-communicants 26% Pagina 174di 712 ■ Posizione 7527 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib must now leave," the nuns rose from their tombs and went outside.218 This happened repeatedly, until one day she recalled the warning Benedict had given them while they were still alive, when he threatened to deprive them of communion with the Church if they kept on speaking so uncharitably. The grief-stricken nurse had Abbot Benedict informed of what was happening. He sent her messengers back with an oblation and said, "Have this offered up for their souls during the Holy Sacrifice, and they will be freed from the sentence of excommunication." The offering was made and after that the nuns were not seen leaving the church any more at the deacon's dismissal of the non-communicants. Evidently, they had been admitted to communion with our blessed Lord in 26% Pagina 174di 712 ■ Posizione 7533 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf □ abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note 1 ] ib answer to the prayers of His servant Benedict. Peter: Is it not extraordinary that souls already judged at God's invisible tribunal could be pardoned by a man who was still living in the mortal flesh, however holy and revered he may have been? Gregory: What of Peter the Apostle? Was he not still living in the flesh when he heard the words, "Whatever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven"? All those who govern the Church in matters of faith and morals exercise the same power of binding and loosing that he received. In fact, the Creator's very purpose in coming down from heaven to earth was to impart to earthly man this heavenly power. It was when God was made flesh for man's ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O :E • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ UJ Mostra Blocco Note ib sake that flesh received its undeserved prerogative of sitting in judgment even over spirits. What raised our weakness to these heights was the descent of an almighty God to the depths of our own helplessness. Peter: Your lofty words are certainly in harmony with these mighty deeds. Gregory: (24) One time, a young monk who was too attached to his parents left the monastery without asking for the abbot's blessing and went home. No sooner had he arrived there he died. The day after his burial his body was discovered lying outside the grave. His parents had him buried again, but on the following day found the body unburied as before. In their dismay they hurried to the saintly abbot and pleaded with him to forgive the boy for what 26% Pagina 174di 712 ■ Posizione 7545 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 q, O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ UJ Mostra Blocco Note ib he had done. Moved by their tears, Benedict gave them a consecrated Host with his own hands. "When you get back," he said, "place this sacred Host upon his breast and bury him once more."219 They did so, and thereafter his body remained in the earth without being disturbed again. Now, Peter, you can appreciate how pleasing this holy man was in God's sight. Not even the earth would retain the young monk's body until he had been reconciled with blessed Benedict. Peter: I assure you I do. It is really amazing. Gregory: (25) One of Benedict's monks had set his fickle heart on leaving the monastery. Time and again the man of God pointed out how wrong this was and tried to reason with him but 26% Pagina 174di 712 ■ Posizione 7550di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 q, O ~ • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib without any success. The monk persisted obstinately in his request to be released. Finally, Benedict lost patience with him and told him to go- Hardly had he left the monastery grounds when he noticed to his horror that a dragon with gaping jaws was blocking his way. "Help! Help!" he cried out, trembling, "or the dragon will devour me." His brethren ran to the rescue, but could see nothing of the dragon. Still breathless with fright, the monk was only too glad to accompany them back to the abbey. Once safe within its walls, he promised never to leave again. And this time he kept his word, for Benedict's prayers had enabled him to see with his own eyes the invisible dragon that had been leading him astray. 26% Pagina 174di 712 ■ Posizione 7557 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 q, O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ UJ ib (26) I must tell you now of an event I heard from the distinguished Anthony. One of his father's servants had been seized with a severe case of leprosy. His hair was already falling out and his skin growing thick and swollen. The fatal progress of the disease was unmistakable. In this condition he was sent to the man of God, who instantly restored him to his previous state of health. (27) Benedict's disciple Peregrinus tells of a Catholic layman who was heavily burdened with debt and felt that his only hope was to disclose the full extent of his misfortune to the man of God. So he went to him and explained that he was being constantly tormented by a creditor to whom he owed twelve gold pieces. "I am very sorry," the saintly abbot replied. "I 26% Pagina175di712 ■ Posizione 7562 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 q, O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ UJ ib do not have that much money in my possession." Then, to comfort the poor man in his need, he added, "I cannot give you anything today, but come back again the day after tomorrow." In the meantime the saint devoted himself to prayer with his accustomed fervor. When the debtor returned, the monks, to their surprise, found thirteen gold pieces lying on top of a chest that was filled with grain. Benedict had the money brought down at once. "Here, take these," he told him. "Use twelve to pay your creditor and keep the thirteenth for yourself." I should like to return now to some other events I learned from the saint's four disciples who were mentioned at the beginning of this book. There was a man who had become so 26% Pagina175di712 ■ Posizione 7568 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib embittered with envy that he tried to kill his rival by secretly poisoning his drink. Though the poison did not prove fatal, it produced horrible blemishes resembling leprosy, which spread over the entire body of the unfortunate victim. In this condition he was brought to the servant of God, who cured the disease with a touch of his hand and sent him home in perfect health. (28) While Campania was suffering from famine, the holy abbot distributed the food supplies of his monastery to the needy until there was nothing left in the storeroom but a little oil in a glass vessel. One day, when Agapitus, a subdeacon, came to beg for some oil, the man of God ordered the little that remained to be given to him, for he wanted to distribute everything he had to the poor and thus store up riches in 26% Pagina175di712 ■ Posizione 7573 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, O ~ 1 • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note heaven. The cellarer listened to the abbot's command, but did not carry it out. After a while, Benedict asked him whether he had given Agapitus the oil. "No," he replied, "I did not. If I had, there would be none left for the community." This angered the man of God, who wanted nothing to remain in the monastery through disobedience, and he told another monk to take the glass with the oil in it and throw it out the window. This time he was obeyed. Even though it struck against the jagged rocks of the cliff just below the window, the glass remained intact as if it had not been thrown at all. It was still unbroken and none of the oil had spilled. Abbot Benedict had the glass brought back and given to the subdeacon. Then he sent for 26% Pagina175di712 ■ Posizione 7579 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 q, O ~ • o • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib the rest of the community and in their presence rebuked the disobedient monk for his pride and lack of faith. (29) After that the saint knelt down to pray with his brethren. In the room where they were kneeling there happened to be an empty oil-cask that was covered with a lid. In the course of his prayer the cask gradually filled with oil and the lid started to float on top of it. The next moment the oil was running down the sides of the cask and covering the floor. As soon as he was aware of this, Benedict ended his prayer and the oil stopped flowing. Then, turning to the monk who had shown himself disobedient and wanting in confidence, he urged him again to strive to grow in faith and humility. This wholesome reprimand filled the cellarer 26% Pagina175di712 ■ Posizione 7584 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf □ abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note 1 ib with shame. Besides inviting him to trust in God, the saintly abbot had clearly shown by his miracle what marvelous power such trust possesses. In the future who could doubt any of his promises? Had he not in a moment's time replaced the little oil still left in the glass with a cask that was full to overflowing? (30) One day, on his way to the Chapel of St. John at the highest point of the mountain, Benedict met the ancient Enemy of mankind, disguised as a veterinarian with medicine horn and triple shackle. "Where are you going?" the saint asked him. "To your brethren," he replied with scorn. "I am bringing them some medicine." Benedict continued on his way and after his ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WM< Q abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O :E • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □ UJ Mostra Blocco Note ib prayer hurried back. Meanwhile, the evil spirit entered one of the older monks whom he found drawing water and had thrown him to the ground in a violent convulsion. When the man of God caught sight of this old brother in such torment, he merely struck him on the cheek, and the evil spirit was promptly driven out, never to return. Peter: I should like to know whether he always obtained these great miracles through fervent prayer. Did he ever perform them at will? Gregory: It is quite common for those who devoutly cling to God to work miracles in both of these ways, Peter, either through their prayers or by their own power, as circumstances may dictate. Since we read in St. John that "all those who did welcome him he empowered to become 26% Pagina175di712 ■ Posizione 7595 di 29647 Italians o$t_ <8> ?0© ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% WSf □ abc - esteso Mer 09:26 O ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note 1 ib the children of God," why should we be surprised if those who are the children of God use this power to work signs and wonders? Holy men can undoubtedly perform miracles in either of the ways you mentioned, as is clear from the fact that St. Peter raised Tabitha to life by praying over her, and by a simple rebuke brought death to Ananias and Saphira for their lies. Scripture does not say that he prayed for their death, but only that he reprimanded them for the crime they had committed. Now, if St. Peter could restore to life by a prayer and deprive of life by a rebuke, is there any reason to doubt that the saints can perform miracles by their own power as well as through their prayers? I am now going to consider two instances in the life of God's faithful servant Benedict. One of ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, O • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib them shows the efficacy of his prayer; the other, the marvelous powers that were his by God's gift. (31) In the days of King Totila one of the Goths, the Arian heretic Zalla, had been persecuting devout Catholics everywhere with the utmost cruelty. No monk or cleric who fell into his hands ever escaped alive. In his merciless brutality and greed he was one day lashing and torturing a farmer whose money he was after. Unable to bear it any longer, the poor man tried to save his life by telling Zalla that all his money was in Abbot Benedict's keeping. He only hoped his tormentor would believe him and put a stop to his brutality. When Zalla heard this, he did stop beating him, but immediately bound his hands together with a heavy cord. Then, mounting his horse, he forced the farmer to walk ahead of him ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib and lead the way to this Benedict who was keeping his money. The helpless prisoner had no choice but to conduct him to the abbey. When they arrived, they found the man of God sitting alone in front of the entrance reading. "This is the Abbot Benedict I meant," he told the infuriated Goth behind him. Imagining that this holy man could be frightened as readily as anyone else, Zalla glared at him with eyes full of hate and shouted harshly, "Get up! Do you hear? Get up and give back the money this man left with you!" At the sound of this angry voice the man of God looked up from his reading and, as he glanced toward Zalla, noticed the farmer with his hands bound together. The moment he caught sight of the cord ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib that held them, it fell miraculously to the ground. Human hands could never have unfastened it so quickly. Stunned at the hidden power that had set his prisoner free, Zalla fell trembling to his knees and, bending his stubborn, cruel neck at the saint's feet, begged for his prayers. Without rising from his place, Benedict called for his monks and had them take Zalla inside for some food and drink. After that he urged him to give up his heartless cruelty. Zalla went away thoroughly humbled and made no more demands on this farmer who had been freed from his bonds by a mere glance from the man of God. So you see, Peter, what I said is true. Those who devote themselves wholeheartedly to the service of God can sometimes work miracles by ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>; 100% WSf Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:26 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib their own power. Blessed Benedict checked the fury of a dreaded Goth without even rising to his feet, and with a mere glance unfastened the heavy cord that bound the hands of an innocent man. The very speed with which he performed this marvel is proof enough that he did it by his own power. And now, here is a remarkable miracle that was the result of his prayer. (32) One day, when he was out working in the fields with his monks, a farmer came to the monastery carrying in his arms the lifeless body of his son. Broken-hearted at his loss, he begged to see the saintly abbot and, on learning that he was at work in the fields, left the dead body at the entrance of the monastery and hurried off to find him. By then the abbot was already returning from his work. The moment ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib the farmer caught sight of him he cried out, "Give me back my son! Give me back my son!" Benedict stopped when he heard this. "But I have not taken your son from you, have I?" he asked. The boy's father only replied, "He is dead. Come! Bring him back to life." Deeply grieved by his words, the man of God turned to his disciples. "Stand back, brethren!" he said. "Stand back! Such a miracle is beyond our power. The holy apostles are the only ones who can raise the dead. Why are you so eager to accept what is impossible for us?" But overwhelming sorrow compelled the man to keep on pleading. He even declared with an oath that he would not leave until Benedict ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib restored his son to life. The saint then asked him where the body was. "At the entrance to the monastery," he answered. When Benedict arrived there with his monks, he knelt down beside the child's body and bent over it. Then, rising, he lifted his hands to heaven in prayer. "O Lord," he said, "do not consider my sins but the faith of this man who is asking to see his son alive again, and restore to this body the soul You have taken from it." His prayer was hardly over when the child's whole body began once more to throb with life. No one present there could doubt that this sudden stirring was due to a heavenly intervention. Benedict then took the little boy by the hand and gave him back to his father alive and well. 26% Pagina176di712 ■ Posizione 7634 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib Obviously, Peter, he did not have the power to work this miracle himself. Otherwise he would not have begged for it prostrate in prayer. Peter: The way facts bear out your words convinces me that everything you have said is true. Will you please tell me now whether holy men can always carry out their wishes, or at least obtain through prayer whatever they desire? Gregory: (33) Peter, will there ever be a holier man in this world than St. Paul? Yet he prayed three times to the Lord about the sting in his flesh and could not obtain his wish. In this connection I must tell you how the saintly Benedict once had a wish he was unable to fulfill. His sister Scholastica, who had been consecrated to God in early childhood, used to visit with him once a year. On these occasions he 26% Pagina177di712 ■ Posizione 7639 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib would go down to meet her in a house belonging to the monastery, a short distance from the entrance. For this particular visit he joined her there with a few of his disciples and they spent the whole day singing God's praises and conversing about the spiritual life. When darkness was setting in, they took their meal together and continued their conversation at table until it was quite late. Then the holy nun said to him, "Please do not leave me tonight, brother. Let us keep on talking about the joys of heaven till morning." "What are you saying, sister?" he replied. "You know I cannot stay away from the monastery." The sky was so clear at the time that there was not a cloud in sight. At her brother's refusal Scholastica folded her hands on the table and ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib rested her head upon them in earnest prayer. When she looked up again, there was a sudden burst of lightning and thunder, accompanied by such a downpour that Benedict and his companions were unable to set a foot outside the door. By shedding a flood of tears while she prayed, this holy nun had darkened the cloudless sky with a heavy rain. The storm began as soon as her prayer was over. In fact, the two coincided so closely that the thunder was already resounding as she raised her head from the table. The very instant she ended her prayer the rain poured down. Realizing that he could not return to the monastery in this terrible storm, Benedict complained bitterly, "God forgive you, sister!" he 26% Pagina177di712 ■ Posizione 7651 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib said. "What have you done?" Scholastica simply answered, "When I appealed to you, you would not listen to me. So I turned to my God and He heard my prayer. Leave now if you can. Leave me here and go back to your monastery." This, of course, he could not do. He had no choice now but to stay, in spite of his unwillingness. They spent the entire night together and both of them derived great profit from the holy thoughts they exchanged about the interior life. Here you have my reason for saying that this holy man was once unable to obtain what he desired. If we consider his point of view, we can readily see that he wanted the sky to remain as clear as it was when he came down from the 26% Pagina177di712 ■ Posizione 7656 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib monastery. But this wish of his was thwarted, by a miracle almighty God performed in answer to a woman's prayer. We need not be surprised that in this instance she proved mightier than her brother; she had been looking forward so long to this visit. Do we not read in St. John that God is love? Surely it is no more than right that her influence was greater than his, since hers was the greater love. Peter: I find this discussion very enjoyable. Gregory: (34) The next morning Scholastica returned to her convent and Benedict to his monastery. Three days later as he stood in his room looking up toward the sky, he beheld his sister's soul leaving her body and entering the court of heaven in the form of a dove. Overjoyed at her eternal glory, he gave thanks ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib to God in hymns of praise. Then, after informing his brethren of her death, he sent some of them to bring her body to the monastery and bury it in the tomb he had prepared for himself. The bodies of these two were now to share a common resting place, just as in life their souls had always been one in God. (35) At another time, the deacon Servandus came to see the servant of God on one of his regular visits. He was abbot of the monastery in Campania that had been built by the late Senator Liberius, and always welcomed an opportunity to discuss with Benedict the truths of eternity, for he, too, was a man of deep spiritual understanding. In speaking of their hopes and longings they were able to taste in advance the heavenly food that was not yet fully theirs to 26% Pagina177di712 ■ Posizione 7667 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib enjoy. When it was time to retire for the night, Benedict went to his room on the second floor of the tower, leaving Servandus in the one below, which was connected with his own by a stairway. Their disciples slept in the large building facing the tower. Long before the night office began, the man of God was standing at his window, where he watched and prayed while the rest were asleep. In the dead of night he suddenly beheld a flood of light shining down from above more brilliant than the sun, and with it every trace of darkness cleared away. Another remarkable sight followed. According to his own description, the whole world was gathered up before his eyes in what appeared to be a single ray of light. As he gazed at all this dazzling display, he saw the soul of 26% Pagina177di712 ■ Posizione 7673 di 29647 Italia ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib Germanus, the Bishop of Capua, being carried by angels up to heaven in a ball of fire. Wishing to have someone else witness this great marvel, he called out for Servandus, repeating his name two or three times in a loud voice. As soon as he heard the saint's call, Servandus rushed to the upper room and was just in time to catch a final glimpse of the miraculous light. He remained speechless with wonder as Benedict described everything that had taken place. Then without any delay the man of God instructed the devout Theoprobus to go to Cassino and have a messenger sent to Capua that same night to find out what had happened to Germanus. In carrying out these instructions the messenger discovered that the revered bishop was already dead. When he asked for further ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib details, he learned that his death had occurred at the very time blessed Benedict saw him carried into heaven. Peter: What an astounding miracle! I hardly know what to think when I hear you say that he saw the whole world gathered up before his eyes in what appeared to be a single ray of light. I have never had such an experience. How is it possible for anyone to see the whole universe at a glance? Gregory: Keep this well in mind, Peter. All creation is bound to appear small to a soul that sees the Creator. Once it beholds a little of His light, it finds all creatures small indeed. The light of holy contemplation enlarges and expands the mind in God until it stands above the world. In fact, the soul that sees Him rises even above itself, and as it is drawn upward in His light all its inner ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib powers unfold. Then, when it looks down from above, it sees how small everything is that was beyond its grasp before. Now, Peter, how else was it possible for this man to behold the ball of fire and watch the angels on their return to heaven except with light from God? Why should it surprise us, then, that he could see the whole world gathered up before him after this inner light had lifted him so far above the world? Of course, in saying that the world was gathered up before his eyes I do not mean that heaven and earth grew small, but that his spirit was enlarged. Absorbed as he was in God, it was now easy for him to see all that lay beneath God. In the light outside that was shining before his eyes, there was a brightness which reached into his mind and lifted his spirit ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl ib heavenward, showing him the insignificance of all that lies below. Peter: My difficulty in understanding you has proved of real benefit, the explanation it led to was so thorough. Now that you have cleared up this problem for me, would you return once more to your account of blessed Benedict's life? Gregory: (36) I should like to tell you much more about this saintly abbot, but I am purposely passing over some of his miraculous deeds in my eagerness to take up those of others. There is one more point, however, I want to call to your attention. With all the renown he gained by his numerous miracles, the holy man was no less outstanding for the wisdom of his teaching. He wrote a Rule for Monks that is remarkable for its discretion and its clarity of language. Anyone Mostra Blocco Note J ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% H> Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib who wishes to know more about his life and character can discover in his Rule exactly what he was like as an abbot, for his life could not have differed from his teaching. (3 7) In the year that was to be his last, the man of God foretold the day of his holy death to a number of his disciples. In mentioning it to some who were with him in the monastery, he bound them to strict secrecy. Some others, however, who were stationed elsewhere he only informed of the special sign they would receive at the time of his death. Six days before he died he gave orders for his tomb to be opened. Almost immediately he was seized with a violent fever that rapidly wasted his remaining strength. Each day his condition grew worse until finally, on the sixth day, he had his ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib disciples carry him into the chapel, where he received the Body and Blood of our Lord to gain strength for his approaching end. Then, supporting his weakened body on the arms of his brethren, he stood with his hands raised to heaven and as he prayed he breathed his last. That day two monks, one of them at the monastery, the other some distance away, received the very same revelation. They both saw a magnificent road covered with rich carpeting and glittering with thousands of lights. From his monastery it stretched eastward in a straight line until it reached up into heaven. And there in the brightness stood a man of majestic appearance, who asked them, "Do you know who passed this way?" "No," they replied. 27% Pagina178di712 ■ Posizione 7706 di 29647 ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib "This," he told them, "is the road taken by blessed Benedict, the Lord's beloved, when he went to heaven." Thus, while the brethren who were with Benedict witnessed his death, those who were absent knew about it through the sign he had promised them. His body was laid to rest in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, which he had built to replace the altar of Apollo. (38) Even in the cave at Subiaco, where he had lived before, this holy man still works numerous miracles for people who turn to him with faith and confidence. The incident I am going to relate happened only recently. A woman who had completely lost her mind was roaming day and night over hills and valleys, through forests and fields, resting only when she 27% Pagina178di712 ■ Posizione 7712 di 29647 ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib was utterly exhausted. One day, in the course of her aimless wanderings, she strayed into the saint's cave and rested there without the least idea of where she was. The next morning she woke up entirely cured and left the cave without even a trace of her former affliction. After that she remained free from it for the rest of her life. Peter: How is it that, as a rule, even the martyrs in their care for us do not grant the same great favors through their bodily remains as they do through their other relics? We find them so often performing more outstanding miracles away from their burial places. Gregory: There is no doubt, Peter, that the holy martyrs can perform countless miracles where their bodies rest. And they do so in behalf of all who pray there with a pure intention. In places 27% Pagina179di712 ■ Posizione 7717 di 29647 ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% WSf □ ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note J ib where their bodies do not actually lie buried, however, there is danger that those whose faith is weak may doubt their presence and their power to answer prayers. Consequently, it is in these places that they must perform still greater miracles. But one whose faith in God is strong earns all the more merit by his faith, for he realizes that the martyrs are present to hear his prayers even though their bodies happen to be buried elsewhere. It was precisely to increase the faith of His disciples that the eternal Truth told them, "If I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you." Now certainly the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, is ever proceeding from the Father and the Son. Why, then, should the Son say He will go in order that the Spirit may come, when, actually, the Spirit ■ Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4» 100% H> Q ABC - esteso Mer 09:27 Q, © ~ • O • Biblioteca < Indietro Vai a v II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Aa □CDl Mostra Blocco Note ib never leaves Him? The point is that as long as the disciples could see our Lord in His human flesh they would want to keep on seeing Him with their bodily eyes. With good reason, therefore, did He tell them, "If I do not go, the Advocate will not come." What He really meant was, "I cannot teach you spiritual love unless I remove my body from your sight; as long as you continue to see me with your bodily eyes you will never learn to love me spiritually." Peter: That is a very satisfying explanation. Gregory: Let us interrupt our discussion for a while. If we are going to take up the miracles of other holy men, we shall need a short period of silence to rest our voices. é Kindle File Modifica Visualizza Vai Strumenti Guida 4>) 100% H> 0ABC-esteso Mer 09:27 Q, Q — • O • II Kindle di Daniela per Mac - Readings in Medieval History, Fifth Edition Biblioteca < Indietro C Vai a v Aa □ m EH H Mostra Blocco Note n Monasticism can be broadly denned as a m. movement to dedicate one's entire life to the m service of God. To what extent does the account of Benedict's life illustrate the rule for monasteries? J 27% Pagina179di712 ■ Posizione 7738 di 29647 Italia o$t_