Gregory Nazianzen the Theologian On Easter II (Oration XLV), Complete

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

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21 Pages

Page 18

XXIV. If you are a Simon of Cyrene, [4663] take up the Cross and follow. If you are crucified with Him as a robber, [4664] acknowledge God as a penitent robber. If even He was numbered among the transgressors [4665] for you and your sin, do you become law-abiding for His sake. Worship Him Who was hanged for you, even if you yourself are hanging; make some gain even from your wickedness; purchase salvation by your death; enter with Jesus into Paradise, [4666] so that you may learn from what you have fallen. [4667] Contemplate the glories that are there; let the murderer die outside with his blasphemies; and if you be a Joseph of Arimathaea, [4668] beg the Body from him that crucified Him, make thine own that which cleanses the world. [4669] If you be a Nicodemus, the worshipper of God by night, bury Him with spices. [4670] If you be a Mary, or another Mary, or a Salome, or a Joanna, weep in the early morning. Be first to see the stone taken away, [4671] and perhaps you will see the Angels and Jesus Himself. Say something; hear His Voice. If He say to you, Touch Me not, [4672] stand afar off; reverence the Word, but grieve not; for He knoweth those to whom He appeareth first. Keep the feast of the Resurrection; come to the aid of Eve who was first to fall, of Her who first embraced the Christ, and made Him known to the disciples. Be a Peter or a John; hasten to the Sepulchre, running together, running against one another, vying in the noble race. [4673] And even if you be beaten in speed, win the victory of zeal; not Looking into the tomb, but Going in. And if, like a Thomas, you were left out when the disciples were assembled to whom Christ shews Himself, when you do see Him be not faithless; [4674] and if you do not believe, then believe those who tell you; and if you cannot believe them either, then have confidence in the print of the nails. If He descend into Hell, [4675] descend with Him. Learn to know the mysteries of Christ there also, what is the providential purpose of the twofold descent, to save all men absolutely by His manifestation, or there too only them that believe.

[4663] Mark xv. 21.

[4664] Luke xxiii. 42.

[4665] Isa. liii. 12.

[4666] Luke xxiii. 43.

[4667] Rev. ii. 5.

[4668] Luke xxiii. 52.

[4669] 1 John i. 7.

[4670] John xix. 39.

[4671] Ib. xx. 11, etc.

[4672] Ib. xxi. 17.

[4673] Ib. xx. 3, 4.

[4674] Ib. xx. 25.

[4675] 1 Pet. iii. 19.

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