Gregory Nazianzen the Theologian In Defence of His Flight to Pontus and His Return, After His Ordination to the Priesthood, with an Exposition of the Character of the Priestly Office (Oration II), Complete

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

Gregory Theologian Bilingual Anthology, Resources Online and in Print

50 Pages

Page 31

66. I also refrain from entering into his discussion of those who feed themselves, devour the milk, clothe themselves with the wool, kill them that are fat, but feed not the flock, strengthen not the diseased, nor bind up that which is broken, nor bring again that which is driven away, nor seek that which is lost, nor keep watch over that which is strong, but oppress them with rigour, and destroy them with their pressure; [2748] so that, because there was no shepherd, the sheep were scattered over every plain and mountain, and became meat for all the fowls and beasts, [2749] because there was no one to seek for them and bring them back. What is the consequence? As I live, saith the Lord, because these things are so, and My flock became a prey, [2750] behold I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hands, and will gather them and make them My own: but the shepherds shall suffer such and such things, as bad shepherds ought.

67. However, to avoid unreasonably prolonging my discourse, by an enumeration of all the prophets, and of the words of them all, I will mention but one more, who was known before he was formed, and sanctified from the womb, [2751] Jeremiah: and will pass over the rest. He longs for water over his head, and a fountain of tears for his eyes, that he may adequately weep for Israel; [2752] and no less does he bewail the depravity of its rulers.

68. God speaks to him in reproof of the priests: The priests said not, Where is the Lord, and they that handled the law knew Me not; the pastors also transgressed against Me. [2753] Again He says to him: The pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord, and therefore all their flock did not understand, and was scattered. [2754] Again, Many pastors have destroyed My vineyard, and have polluted My pleasant portion, till it was reduced to a trackless wilderness. [2755] He further inveighs against the pastors again: Woe be to the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! Therefore thus saith the Lord against them that feed My people: Ye have scattered My flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold I will visit upon you the evil of your doings. [2756] Moreover he bids the shepherds to howl, and the rams of the flock to lament, because the days of their slaughter are accomplished. [2757]

[2748] Ib. xxxiv. 2 et seq.

[2749] Ib. xxxix. 17.

[2750] Ib. xxxiv. 8.

[2751] Jer. i. 5.

[2752] Ib. ix. 1.

[2753] Ib. ii. 8.

[2754] Ib. x. 21.

[2755] Ib. xii. 10.

[2756] Ib. xxiii. 1, 2.

[2757] Ib. xxv. 34.

Previous Page / First / Next Page of Gregory Theologian - Flight to Pontus (Oration II)

St Gregory Theologian Home Page ||| More Church Fathers

Elpenor's Free Greek Lessons

Reference address : https://elpenor.org/gregory-nazianzen/flight-pontus.asp?pg=31