Readings for Monday, 15th Week in OT, Year 2: Genuine Faith and Worship: Internal Conversion and Righteous Actions

Theological and Catechetical Connections

Isaiah 1:10-17 emphasizes the importance of sincere worship and social justice over mere ritualistic observance. God condemns the empty sacrifices and calls for repentance and righteous living.

Catechism References:

• CCC 1430: This passage discusses the interior penance, which is a “radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed.” This echoes Isaiah’s call for genuine repentance.
• CCC 1435: This section highlights the means of conversion and penance in the Christian life, which includes gestures of reconciliation, such as the Sacrament of Penance, but also actions like fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Isaiah’s critique aligns with this call to active, heartfelt conversion.
• CCC 2100: This discusses that “the only sacrifice pleasing to God is the one offered by the heart.” This directly connects with Isaiah’s admonition that God desires mercy, justice, and righteousness rather than empty ritual sacrifices.

Psalm 50:8-9, 16b–17, 21, 23 continues the theme of sincere worship, emphasizing that God does not desire sacrifices without righteousness. The Psalm calls for thanksgiving and right living, rather than mere ritual observance.

Matthew 5:10 in the Alleluia Verse blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. This beatitude emphasizes the value of enduring suffering for the sake of justice and righteousness.

Catechism Reference:

• CCC 1716: This section lists the Beatitudes, highlighting the blessings and promises of the Kingdom of Heaven for those who live according to its values. The blessing for the persecuted aligns with the call to righteousness found in the readings.

Matthew 10:34-11:1 in the Gospel passage speaks to the cost of discipleship. Jesus warns that His coming will bring division, even within families, and calls His followers to prioritize their commitment to Him above all else. This passage emphasizes the radical nature of discipleship and the sacrifices it entails.

Thematic Connections:

1. Sincere Worship and Social Justice (Isaiah 1:10-17 and Psalm 50:8-9, 16b–17, 21, 23 ):
   • Both passages stress the importance of a genuine relationship with God manifested through just and righteous actions, rather than empty rituals. The Catechism references reinforce the call to interior conversion and active expressions of repentance.
2. Righteousness and Persecution (Matthew 5:10 and Matthew 10:34-11:1):
   • The Beatitude in Matthew 5:10 promises the Kingdom of Heaven to those persecuted for righteousness, echoing the radical commitment to Jesus highlighted in the Gospel passage. This connection underscores the theme of enduring hardship for the sake of faith.
3. Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 10:34-11:1):
   • The Gospel passage emphasizes the difficult choices and sacrifices required of Jesus’ followers. This ties back to the message of true worship in Isaiah and Psalm 50, where genuine faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God’s will.

Summary:

These readings and catechism references collectively highlight the theme of genuine faith and worship, characterized by internal conversion, righteous actions, and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of righteousness. They call for a holistic approach to faith, where external practices are deeply rooted in sincere, heartfelt devotion to God.

Theological, Catechetical and Thematic Connections between the Readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

For numerous commentaries on the readings for this Sunday go here. For access to all commentaries on all the Sunday and daily readings go here.

A SUMMARY OF THE READINGS

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:1–6 This passage denounces the false shepherds who have led God’s people astray and promises that God will raise up a righteous Branch from David’s line to shepherd His people, bringing justice and righteousness. This leader will be called “The Lord Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

Response and Psalm: Psalm 23:1–6 Psalm 23 celebrates the Lord as the good shepherd who provides, guides, and protects. The psalmist proclaims, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1) and describes how God leads him to green pastures, restores his soul, and ensures goodness and mercy all his life.

Second Reading: Ephesians 2:13–18 Paul speaks of Christ as the one who brings peace and reconciliation. Through His blood, Christ has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, creating one new humanity and reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to God, bringing peace (Ephesians 2:14-16). Christ proclaims peace to those who were far and near, giving all access to the Father through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:17-18).

Gospel Acclamation: John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This highlights the relationship between Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and His followers, emphasizing recognition and obedience.

Gospel: Mark 6:30–34 In this passage, Jesus invites His apostles to rest after their ministry, but when He sees the large crowd, He has compassion on them because they are like sheep without a shepherd. He then begins to teach them many things, demonstrating His role as the Good Shepherd (Mark 6:34).

Highlighting the Connections

1. Shepherd Imagery:
   • Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Psalm 23 both use shepherd imagery. Jeremiah condemns the false shepherds (Jeremiah 23:1-2) and promises a righteous shepherd from David’s line (Jeremiah 23:5-6), while Psalm 23 praises the Lord as the perfect shepherd (Psalm 23:1).
   • John 10:27 ties directly into this theme, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd whose sheep recognize His voice.
2. Provision and Guidance:
   • Psalm 23 describes how the Lord, as a shepherd, provides and guides His people to green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23:2), paralleling Jesus’ compassionate guidance and teaching of the crowd in Mark 6:34.
   • The imagery of leading and restoring the soul (Psalm 23:3) connects with Jesus inviting His apostles to rest (Mark 6:31).
3. Peace and Reconciliation:
   • Ephesians 2:13-18 speaks of Christ’s work in bringing peace and reconciliation, breaking down barriers and creating unity (Ephesians 2:14-16). This connects to the shepherd’s role in guiding and ensuring peace and safety for the flock as depicted in Psalm 23.
   • The proclamation of peace to those far and near (Ephesians 2:17) echoes the inclusive care of the shepherd in Mark 6:34, who sees the scattered crowd and responds with compassion.
4. Righteous Leadership:
   • The prophecy of a righteous branch from David in Jeremiah 23:5-6 aligns with the description of Jesus’ leadership and compassionate teaching in Mark 6:34. Both passages highlight a leader who brings justice, righteousness, and care to the people.
   • Psalm 23:3 speaks of being led in paths of righteousness, which complements the righteous leadership promised in Jeremiah 23:5-6.
5. Hearing and Following the Shepherd:
   • John 10:27 emphasizes the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, where the sheep hear and follow the shepherd’s voice. This connection is also found in the shepherd imagery of Psalm 23 where the sheep are led by the shepherd to safe and nourishing places.
   • The crowd in Mark 6:34 follows Jesus, the Good Shepherd, seeking His teaching and guidance, similar to the sheep recognizing and following their shepherd in John 10:27.

These connections emphasize the consistent biblical theme of God as the shepherd who leads, provides for, and protects His people, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who brings peace and reconciliation.

 STUDY AND REVIEW GUIDE

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:1–6

Key Themes:

• Condemnation of false shepherds (leaders) who scatter and harm the flock (God’s people).
• Promise of a righteous Branch from David’s line who will reign wisely and do what is just and right.
• The coming leader will be called “The Lord Our Righteousness.”

Reflection Questions:

1. What characteristics does God condemn in the false shepherds?
2. How does God describe the righteous Branch from David’s line?
3. What does this passage tell us about God’s plans for leadership and justice?

Catechism References:

• CCC 877: On the apostolic nature of Church ministry and leadership.
• CCC 2086: On the acknowledgment of God’s Lordship and justice.

Response and Psalm: Psalm 23:1–6

Key Themes:

• The Lord as the Good Shepherd who provides, guides, protects, and cares for His sheep.
• Assurance of God’s presence and blessings even in the face of danger.

Reflection Questions:

1. What imagery does the psalmist use to describe the Lord’s care?
2. How does Psalm 23 provide comfort and assurance in times of trouble?
3. What is the significance of God preparing a table in the presence of enemies?

Catechism References:

• CCC 2579: On trust in God’s providence and care.
• CCC 733: On the Holy Spirit’s role in comforting and guiding believers.

Second Reading: Ephesians 2:13–18

Key Themes:

• Christ’s role in bringing peace and reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles.
• The breaking down of the dividing wall of hostility through Christ’s sacrifice.
• Unity and access to the Father through the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does Paul describe the reconciliation brought about by Christ?
2. What does it mean to have the dividing wall of hostility broken down?
3. How does this passage encourage unity among believers?

Catechism References:

• CCC 2305: On Christ as the Prince of Peace.
• CCC 776: On the Church as a sign of unity and instrument of reconciliation.

Gospel Acclamation: John 10:27

Key Themes:

• Jesus as the Good Shepherd whose sheep hear His voice and follow Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does it mean for Jesus’ sheep to hear His voice?
2. How do we recognize and follow the voice of Jesus in our lives?

Catechism References:

• CCC 754: On the Church as the flock of Christ, the Good Shepherd.
• CCC 1694: On living as followers of Christ.

Gospel: Mark 6:30–34

Key Themes:

• Jesus’ compassion for the crowd, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd.
• The importance of rest and renewal for Jesus’ disciples.
• Jesus teaching the crowd many things, acting as their shepherd.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why did Jesus feel compassion for the crowd?
2. How does Jesus’ invitation to His disciples to rest relate to our own need for spiritual renewal?
3. In what ways does Jesus act as a shepherd in this passage?

Catechism References:

• CCC 2616: On Jesus’ compassion and readiness to respond to those in need.
• CCC 2402: On the right use of goods and the need for rest.

Overall Review and Reflection

Connecting Themes:

• Shepherd Imagery: Throughout these readings, the theme of God (and Jesus) as the shepherd who cares for His people is prominent. Jeremiah speaks of the righteous Branch from David, Psalm 23 celebrates the Lord’s shepherding care, and the Gospel of Mark shows Jesus as the compassionate shepherd.
• Peace and Reconciliation: Ephesians discusses the peace and reconciliation brought by Christ, aligning with the comfort and guidance of the shepherd in Psalm 23 and the leadership promised in Jeremiah.
• Hearing and Following Jesus: The Gospel Acclamation and the imagery in John emphasize the importance of recognizing and following Jesus’ voice, akin to the guidance provided by the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23 and Jesus’ teachings in Mark 6.

Practical Application:

• Reflect on how you experience God’s guidance and provision in your own life.
• Consider ways to foster unity and reconciliation within your community, following the example of Christ.
• Practice discernment to better hear and follow the voice of Jesus in daily decisions and actions.

By studying these readings and reflecting on their interconnected themes, we can deepen our understanding of God’s care, leadership, and call to unity and peace among His people.

Catechism Connections With and Commentaries on the Readings for the Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B

THE CATECHISM AND THE READINGS

 This post contains three main parts, all of which can be useful for homily preparation, meditations, points for further study or subjects for a discussion/study group. The first part is taken from Appendix 1, section B of the Homiletic Directory issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. It provides homiletic suggestions for the readings based upon the catechism. These can be helpful for homily preparation, meditation, or further study. The second part highlights key themes between the catechism and the readings. The third part contains a summary of each reading, brief commentary, and an explanation of how the catechism passages relate to the readings. Questions for study and reflection are also provided.

CATECHISM SUGGESTIONS:

CCC 548-549, 646, 994: Jesus raises the dead.

CCC 1009-1014: death transformed by Christ.

CCC 1042-1050: hope for a new heaven and a new earth.

KEY THEMES:

The readings for the thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, together with the specified Catechism passages, underscore the following key themes:

1. Victory Over Death: The Wisdom reading and the Gospel highlight that death is an intruder in God’s plan, overcome by Jesus, who raises the dead and transforms the meaning of death for believers.
2. Hope in Resurrection: The Gospel story of Jairus’ daughter and the Catechism’s teachings on resurrection emphasize that physical death is not the end but a passage to eternal life.
3. Living in Faith and Generosity: The second reading from 2 Corinthians encourages a generous response to God’s gifts, reflecting the transformative impact of Christ’s resurrection on how believers live their lives.
4. Eternal Perspective: The Catechism’s discussion on the new heaven and new earth ties into the overall message of hope and renewal found in the readings, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ.

By connecting these Catechism passages with the liturgical readings, believers are invited to deepen their understanding of Christ’s victory over death, the hope of resurrection, and the call to live generously and faithfully in light of these truths.

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE CATECHISM AND THE READINGS:

First Reading: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

Summary: This reading emphasizes that God did not create death; rather, death entered the world through the devil’s envy. It aligns with the Catechism’s teachings on the origin of death and the transformative power of Christ.

• God did not create death, nor does He rejoice in the destruction of the living.
• By the envy of the devil, death entered the world, affecting all who belong to his company.
• However, God formed humanity to be imperishable, in His own image.

Commentary: 

This passage emphasizes the goodness of creation and God’s intention for life, not death. It declares that death is not part of God’s original plan; rather, it came into the world through the envy of the devil. This reading invites the faithful to reflect on the inherent goodness of life and creation, as well as the spiritual battle between life and death, righteousness and sin. The idea that “righteousness is immortal” provides hope and calls believers to strive for righteousness, aligning themselves with God’s original intention for eternal life.

Relation to Catechism:

• CCC 1009-1014: These passages explain how death, initially a consequence of sin, has been transformed by Christ. Through His own death and resurrection, Jesus has turned death into a passage to eternal life. The reading from Wisdom, which contrasts God’s intention for life with the reality of death caused by sin, sets the stage for understanding the transformation brought about by Christ.

Study Questions:

• What does this passage reveal about God’s original intention for creation?
• How does the entrance of death into the world contrast with God’s plan for life?
• In what ways does this reading offer hope to believers facing the reality of death and suffering?

Reflection on Life and Death:

• Reflect on how the Wisdom reading provides insight into the origin of death and God’s life-giving purpose.
• Consider how your understanding of life and death has been shaped by your faith in Christ’s resurrection.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13

Summary: The psalm is a song of thanksgiving for deliverance from death, echoing the theme of God’s life-giving power.

• The psalmist praises God for rescue and preservation.
• God’s anger is momentary, but His goodwill lasts a lifetime.
• Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes with the dawn.

Commentary:

The Responsorial Psalm celebrates God’s deliverance and the transformative power of His grace. The psalmist recounts personal experiences of distress and healing, emphasizing that God listens to cries for help and responds with mercy and restoration.

The response, “I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me,” encapsulates the gratitude and joy of someone who has been saved from dire circumstances. The imagery of being brought up from Sheol (the realm of the dead) and having one’s mourning turned into dancing highlights the dramatic change from despair to joy that God brings about.

This psalm aligns well with the themes of the other readings, emphasizing God’s intention for life and healing, the call to trust in His providence, and the invitation to respond with praise and thanksgiving for His enduring favor.

Relation to Catechism:

• CCC 548-549: These sections describe Jesus’ miracles, including raising the dead, as signs of His divine authority and His mission to bring life. The psalm’s gratitude for God’s deliverance mirrors the thankfulness for Jesus’ miracles that restore life.
• CCC 646, 994: These passages discuss the resurrection of the dead as a key sign of Jesus’ divinity and His promise of eternal life. The psalm’s celebration of rescue from death prefigures the ultimate victory over death that Jesus accomplishes.

Study Questions:

• How does the psalmist express gratitude for God’s deliverance?
• What personal experiences of deliverance and transformation can you relate to in this psalm?
• How does the psalm encourage a perspective of praise and thanksgiving in difficult times?

Reflections on Gratitude:

• Meditate on the themes of Psalm 30 and how thanksgiving can transform your outlook on life’s challenges.
• Identify moments in your life where you have experienced God’s deliverance and how you can cultivate a habit of gratitude.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15

Summary: Paul encourages the Corinthians to share their material blessings, reflecting the generosity of Jesus, who became poor so that others might become rich.

• Paul encourages the Corinthians to excel in gracious acts.
• Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake, so we might become rich through Him.
• Abundance should be shared to create equality among believers.

Commentary:  Paul is encouraging the Corinthian community to be generous, reflecting the generosity of Christ himself. Jesus, who was rich, became poor for the sake of humanity so that through His poverty, others might become rich in grace. Paul emphasizes the importance of balance and equity within the Christian community, where those with abundance are called to share with those in need. This call to generosity is not just a financial or material gesture but a reflection of Christian love and solidarity, promoting fairness and mutual support among believers.

Relation to Catechism:

• CCC 1009-1014: This passage talks about Christ’s transformative impact on death and life, encouraging believers to live with an eternal perspective. Paul’s message about generosity and sharing can be seen as living out the new life in Christ, recognizing that earthly resources are temporary, but spiritual wealth in Christ is eternal.

Study Questions:

• What does Paul mean by excelling in the “generous undertaking”?
• How does Jesus’ example of becoming poor for our sake challenge our views on generosity?
• How can we practice fairness and generosity in our communities today?

Reflection on Generosity:

• Think about the ways you can embody the generosity Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians.
• Evaluate your approach to material possessions and how you can use them to support those in need, following Christ’s example.

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

Summary:

This Gospel reading includes the healing of a woman with a hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus’ daughter, emphasizing Jesus’ power over illness and death.

• Jesus responds to the plea of Jairus, a synagogue official, to heal his dying daughter.
• On the way, a woman with hemorrhages touches Jesus’ cloak and is healed.
• Jesus then raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead, demonstrating His power over life and death.

Commentary:

This Gospel passage includes two intertwined miracles: the healing of a woman with a hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. Both stories highlight the power of faith. The woman’s faith in Jesus’ healing power, despite her fear and trembling, leads to her immediate healing. Jairus’ faith is tested and strengthened as he navigates the despair of his daughter’s death and the hope that Jesus brings.

The narrative showcases Jesus’ authority over illness and death, reinforcing that faith in Him brings life and restoration. The interaction with the hemorrhaging woman underscores the personal and transformative encounter with Jesus, while the raising of Jairus’ daughter points to the broader promise of resurrection and eternal life for believers. Jesus’ instructions to keep the miracle private and to care for the girl after her revival further illustrate his attention to both spiritual and physical needs.

In summary, these readings collectively emphasize themes of life, faith, generosity, and the transformative power of Christ. They encourage believers to trust in God’s goodness, embody Christ-like generosity, and have faith in Jesus’ power to heal and bring new life.

Relation to Catechism:

• CCC 548-549: Jesus’ miracles, such as raising Jairus’ daughter, demonstrate His divine authority and compassion, confirming the faith of those who believe in Him. This aligns directly with the Gospel narrative, where faith in Jesus leads to miraculous healing and the restoration of life.
• CCC 646, 994: These passages discuss the resurrection of the dead and Jesus’ own resurrection as foundational to Christian hope. The raising of Jairus’ daughter prefigures the resurrection, showing Jesus’ power over death.
• CCC 1009-1014: Death has been transformed by Christ, who conquered it through His resurrection. This transformation is illustrated in Jesus’ acts of raising the dead, offering a foretaste of the resurrection life promised to all believers.
• CCC 1042-1050: These sections speak of the hope for a new heaven and a new earth, where death will be no more. Jesus’ miracles, particularly raising the dead, point towards this ultimate renewal of all things.

Study Questions:

• What role does faith play in the healing of the woman with the hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus’ daughter?
• How do these miracles demonstrate Jesus’ authority over illness and death?
• In what ways can we draw hope and encouragement from these stories in our own lives?

Reflection on Faith and Healing:

• Reflect on the stories of healing in Mark 5 and how they demonstrate the power of faith.
• Consider areas in your life where you need healing and how you can strengthen your faith in Jesus’ ability to restore and renew.

On Chastity in Relation to Ephesians 5:1-9

CHASTITY: The moral virtue which, under the cardinal virtue of temperance, provides for the successful integration of sexuality within the person leading to the inner unity of the bodily and spiritual being (2337). Chastity is called one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (1832). [Glossary of the CCC. Catholic Church. 2000. Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2nd Ed. Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference.]

Catechism of the Catholic Church: 2343-2359; 1832; 2394-2396; 915; 944; 1632; 2053; 2365; 2368.

The Roman Catechism (Cat. Counc. Trent) 3. 7. 12.

The Use of Confession, of the Eucharist, and of other Pious Matters, are necessary to attain Chastity~But, to repress its violence, frequent recourse to confession and to the holy Eucharist operates most efficaciously; as do also unceasing and devout prayers to God, accompanied by fasting and almsdeeds; for chastity is a gift of God (1 Cor 7:7) which he refuses not to those who ask it aright; nor does he suffer us to be tempted beyond that we are able (1 Cor 10:13).

Sacred Scripture

OT Sir 9:10, Pr 6:24–26, Job 31:1–3, Pr 2:16–22, Ge 19:1–29, 39:8–9, Ex 20:14, Dt 22:20–21, Tob 3:14, Pr 2:10–11, 5:15–21, 7:1–9, 31:3, Wis 8:21, Sir 19:2–3, 47:19–20, Ge 6:3, 7, 49:3–4, Ex 20:17, Nu 25:6–9, Jdg 20:34–35, Jdt 15:10, Ps 37:18, 38:7, 101:2, Pr 5:2–6, 9–11, 7:21–23, 25–27, 15:26, 21:8, 22:11, 23:27–28, 29:3, Ec 5:6, 11:10, Wis 3:13–14, 4:1–2, 6:19, 9:4, Sir 9:6, 21:15, 23:17, 26:15, 41:17, Is 56:5, Je 4:14, Ho 5:4, Am 6:4, 6

NT 1 Co 6:13–7:2, Ga 5:22–23, 1 Co 7:25–26, Mt 19:6–12, 5:28, 1 Co 7:7–9, 36–37, Php 3:18–19, 1 Th 4:3–5, 1 Ti 5:1–2, 2 Ti 2:22–26, 1 Pe 2:11, Re 2:22–23, 14:1–5, Mt 5:8, Ro 1:24–27, 12:1–2, 1 Co 6:9–10, Col 3:5, 1 Th 4:7, Tt 1:15, Mt 19:21, 22:30, Lk 15:13, Ac 15:20, Ro 1:32, 13:13, 1 Co 3:16–17, 9:27, 2 Co 12:7, Ga 3:27, Eph 5:3, 5, 1 Ti 4:12, Heb 13:4, Mt 5:17, 19:23–29, Jn 15:15, Eph 4:19, Col 1:10, 1 Ti 1:3–4, 10, 4:3–9, 1 Jn 3:3

 Church Fathers: 

Athenagoras:

CHASTITY OF THE CHRISTIANS WITH RESPECT TO MARRIAGE

Therefore, having the hope of eternal life, we despise the things of this life, even to the pleasures of the soul, each of us reckoning her his wife whom he has married according to the laws laid down by us, and that only for the purpose of having children. For as the husbandman throwing the seed into the ground awaits the harvest, not sowing more upon it, so to us the procreation of children is the measure of our indulgence in appetite. Nay, you would find many among us, both men and women, growing old unmarried, in hope of living in closer communion with God. But if the remaining in virginity and in the state of an eunuch brings nearer to God, while the indulgence of carnal thought and desire leads away from Him, in those cases in which we shun the thoughts, much more do we reject the deeds. For we bestow our attention, not on the study of words, but on the exhibition and teaching of actions,—that a person should either remain as he was born, or be content with one marriage; for a second marriage is only a specious adultery.“For whosoever puts away his wife,” says He, “and  marries another, commits adultery; ” not permitting a man to send her away whose virginity he has brought to an end, nor to marry again. For he who deprives himself of his first wife, even though she be dead, is a cloaked adulterer, resisting the hand of God, because in the beginning God made one man and one woman, and dissolving the strictest union of flesh with flesh, formed for the intercourse of the race.

Tertullian: 

INTRODUCTION. VIRGINITY CLASSIFIED UNDER THREE SEVERAL SPECIES

I DOUBT not, brother, that after the premission in peace of your wife, you, being wholly bent upon the composing of your mind (to a right frame), are seriously thinking about the end of your lone life, and of course are standing in need of counsel. Although, in cases of this kind, each individual ought to hold colloquy with his own faith, and consult its strength; still, inasmuch as, in this (particular) species (of trial), the necessity of the flesh (which generally is faith’s antagonist at the bar of the same inner consciousness, to which I have alluded) sets cogitation astir, faith has need of counsel from without, as an advocate, as it were, to oppose the necessities of the flesh: which necessity, indeed, may very easily be circumscribed, if the will rather than the indulgence of God be considered. No one deserves (favour) by availing himself of the indulgence, but by rendering a prompt obedience to the will, (of his master).2 The will of God is our sanctification,3 for He wishes His “image”—us—to become likewise His “likeness;”4 that we may be “holy” just as Himself is “holy.”5 That good—sanctification, I mean—I distribute into several species, that in some one of those species we may be found. The first species is, virginity from one’s birth: the second, virginity from one’s second birth, that is, from the font; which (second virginity) either in the marriage state keeps (its subject) pure by mutual compact,6 or else perseveres in widowhood from choice: a third grade remains, monogamy, when, after the interception of a marriage once contracted, there is thereafter a renunciation of sexual connection. The first virginity is (the virginity) of happiness, (and consists in) total ignorance of that from which you will afterwards wish to be freed: the second, of virtue, (and consists in) contemning that the power of which you know full well: the remaining species, (that) of marrying no more after the disjunction of matrimony by death, besides being the glory of virtue, is (the glory) of moderation likewise;7 for moderation is the not regretting a thing which has been taken away, and taken away by the LORD God,8 without whose will neither does a leaf glide down from a tree, nor a sparrow of one farthing’s worth fall to the earth.9