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SERMON 94 The Slothful Servant (Matt. 25.14-30) Their Lordships, my brethren and fellow bishops, have deigned to visit us and to gladden us by their presence, but I know not why they are unwilling to aid me, although I am fatigued. Dearly beloved, I tell you this while they are listening, so that your hearing it may somehow so intercede with them on my behalf that they also will deliver a discourse when I ask them. May they give out what they have received; may they graciously consent to put it to use, rather than to make excuses. Meanwhile, be willing to listen to a few words from me, although I am fatigued and scarcely able to speak. Besides, we have a written list of favors received from God through the holy martyr. Let us willingly listen to the reading of that also.1 What is it, then? What shall I say to you? In the Gospel, you have heard both the reward of the good servants and the punishment of the bad.2 The fault of that servant who was reproved and severely punished 1 A written account of divine favors which had been received through the intercession of the martyr. In another sermon, Saint Augustine explicitly states that it was the cus.tom to read such a list to the assembled congregation : 'We are accustomed to hear written accounts of the miracles of God which have been wrought through the prayers of the most blessed martyr, Stephen. Today, this account is the very presence of this man [who had been healed]. Instead of a written account, we have the news itself; instead of a paper, the man's face is shown. You know what it used to grieve you to see in this man. Rejoice now to read what you see in him here present' (Sermo 320). For further references , see Sermones 79, 321, 322, 323. 2 Matt. 25.i4-30; Luke 19.12·27. 293 294 SAINT AUGUSTINE was this and this only, namely, that he would not put to use what he had received. He preserved it intact, but his master was looking for a profit from it. God is avaricious of our salvation. If such condemnation befalls the servant who did not use what he had received, what are they to expect who lose it? Therefore, we are dispensers. We expend; you receive. We expect a profit; on your part, live good lives, for that is the profit from our dispensing. Do not think that you are free from the obligation of dispensing. Of course, you cannot dispense your gifts as from this higher station of ours; but you can dispense them in whatever station you happen to be. When Christ is attacked, defend Him; give an answer to those who murmur; rebuke blasphemers, but keep yourselves far from any fellowship with them. If in this way you gain anybody, you are putting your gifts to use. In your own homes, take our place, for the title, bishop, signifies one who superintends, one who takes care of others by watching over them. In every home, therefore. a bishopric necessarily pertains to him who is the head of the household. It is a superintendence of the faith of the members of his household, lest any of them fall into heresy. It extends to the wife, to a son or a daughter; it extends also to a slave, for he also has been redeemed at so great a price. The apostolic teaching places the master above the slave, and the slave beneath the master,3 but Christ has given the same price for each of them. Do not neglect even the lowliest among your household. With all vigilance, attend to the salvation of those who are yours. If you do this, you dispense your gifts. Then you will not be slothful servants; you will not fear that horrible condemnation. 3 Eph. 6.5; Tit. 2.9. ...

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