Sermons

Days of Fast in September

DAYS OF FAST IN SEPTEMBER Leo placed great confidence in the spiritual efficacy of fasting. "Although any time is suitable for restraint, this time is most fit because we see it as chosen by the appointment of the apostles and the laws, that, as in other days of the year, so in September, we should cleanse ourselves by spiritual purification" (Serm. 93.3). The sermons for the four seasonal fasts have slightly different emphases. This group highlights the benefits of the corporateness of the act. Leo praises unity of worship and action as a protection against temptations . "A general fast ought to be celebrated on certain days by all together, for then devotion is more efficacious and more holy when ... the understanding of the whole Church is one" (Serm. 89.2), and "the people of God become more powerful when the hearts of all the faithful come together in the unity of holy obedience" (Serm. 88.2). Nevertheless, with sensitivity, he realizes that each one's capacity is different and so "the infirm may be released from the labor that is beyond the powers ofthe body by the outlay oftheir resources" (Serm. 87·3)· Serm. 89.1, given in 444, refers again to the Manichaeans and their customs, "the barefoot processions, the sad-faced fasts, the disreputable clothing," warning the audience and urging that "many fighting together against an enemy are in less danger than one fightlng alone" (Serm. 89.2). Years later, in 453 (Serm. 91.2), Leo is still fighting heresy. This time he condemns the Nestorians who damage the unity ofChrist by "separating the human from the divine" in him, and the Eutychians who "obliterate the human in the divine." Faith and participation in the Blessed Eucharist provide a remedy against all errors (Serm. 91.3). Sermon 86 441 E KNOW your observance, dearly beloved, to be so devoted that you exercise your souls not only in the prescribed fasts, but in voluntary fasts as well. Still, to your eagerness we must add the encouragement of a reminder. In this way, if any are too irresolute in the practice of fasting, at 368 SERMON 87 369 least they will join us obediently for common abstinence on these days when itis our duty to celebrate the holycustom more carefully. We hope that we may deserve divine help against all our enemies through the humility of a fast. This matter has a special importance, as we show from authority and encourage from love. When we restrain our freedom in eating, we can concentrate on disciplining the body and giving alms to nourish the poor. In nourishing the poor, we refresh our own souls and change our worldly feasts into eternal delight. 2. Let the growth of holy desires succeed into the place of evil lusts. Let iniquity cease, but letjustice never stop working. If no one has suffered wrong at your hands, let someone experience your assistance. It is a very small thing not to take others' goods unless you are generous with your own. We are under the eyes of a just judge who knows how much and to whom he has given the means for good works. He does not wish his gifts to be idle, for he so distributes the measure of mystical "talents" to his servants that those who have liberally invested their loan will increase it, while those who preserved it unused will lose it.I (2) Now, dearly beloved, since it is time to celebrate the fast ofSeptember, let us remind you in your holiness that we fast on Wednesday and Friday. On Saturday, however, let us together keep the vigil of blessed Peter the apostle. By his prayers and merits, may we deserve to be delivered from all trials, through Christ our Lord. Sermon 87 442 God created and redeemed the human race. He wishes us to walk along the "paths ofjustice,,2 toward the promises of eternallife . Since temptations will always be present to oppose us in the way ofvirtue (as treacherous obstacles), he has endowed us with many defenses, dearly beloved, with which to trample 1. Cf. Mt 25.20--29. 2. Cf. Ps 22(23).3. 370 ST. LEO THE GREAT the "devil's snares.,,3 Among these defenses, God provided this most salutary means for his servants, that they arm themselves against all the enemy's wiles with the courage of self-restraint and with works...