Sermon XCVI.
[CXLVI. Ben.]
On the words of the Gospel, John. xxi. 16, “Simon, son of John, lovest thou me?” etc.
1. Ye have observed, beloved, that in to-day’s lesson it was said by the Lord to Peter in
a question, “Lovest thou Me?” To whom he answered, “Thou knowest, Lord, that I love
thee.” This was done a second, and a third time; and at each several reply, the Lord said,
“Feed My lambs.”4317 To Peter did Christ commend His lambs to be fed, who fed even Peter
himself. For what could Peter do for the Lord, especially now that He had an Immortal
Body, and was about to ascend into heaven? As though He had said to him, “‘Lovest thou
Me?’ Herein show that thou lovest Me, ‘Feed my sheep.’” So then, Brethren, do ye with
obedience hear that ye are Christ’s sheep; seeing that we on our part with fear hear, Feed
My sheep”? If we feed with fear, and fear for the sheep; these sheep how ought they to fear
for themselves? Let then carefulness be our portion, obedience yours; pastoral watchfulness
our portion, the humility of the flock yours. Although we too who seem to speak to you
from a higher place, are with fear beneath your feet; forasmuch as we know how perilous
an account must be rendered of this as it were exalted seat. Wherefore, dearly beloved,
Catholic plants, Members of Christ, think What a Head ye have! Children of God, think
What a Father ye have found. Christians, think What an Inheritance is promised you. Not
such as on earth cannot be possessed by children, save when their parents are dead. For no
one on earth possesses a father’s inheritance, save when he is dead. But we whilst our Father
liveth shall possess what He shall give; for that our Father cannot die. I add more, I say more,
and say the truth; our Father will Himself be our Inheritance.
2. Live consistently, especially ye candidates of Christ, recently baptized, just regenerated,
as I have admonished you before, so say I now, and give expression to my solicitude; for the
present lesson of the Gospel hath forced upon me a greater fear: take heed to yourselves, do
not imitate evil Christians. Say not I will do this, for many of the faithful do it. This is not
to procure a defence for the soul; but to look out for companions unto hell. Grow ye in this
544
floor of the Lord; herein ye will find good men to please you, if ye yourselves are good. For
are ye our private property? Heretics and schismatics have made their own private property
out of what they have stolen from the Lord, and would feed, not Christ’s flocks, but their
own against Christ. It is true indeed, they place His title on these their spoils, that their
robberies may be as it were maintained by the title of His Power. What doeth Christ when
such as these are converted, who have received the title of His Baptism out of the Church?
He casteth out the spoiler, He doth not efface the title, and taketh possession of the house;
because He hath found His title there. What need is there that He should change His Own
Name? Do they take heed to what the Lord said to Peter, “Feed My lambs, feed My sheep”?
4317 John xxi. 15.
On the words of the Gospel, John. xxi. 16, ‘Simon, son of John, lovest thou me?’ etc.
1123
On the words of the Gospel, John. xxi. 16, ‘Simon, son of John, lovest thou…