May 17 and 18
Fifth Sunday of Easter

From Deacon Dick~

From a Sermon by St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop

I appeal to you by the mercy of God.  This appeal is made by Paul, or rather, it is made by God through Paul, because of God’s desire to be loved rather than feared, to be a father rather than a Lord.  God appeals to us in his mercy to avoid having to punish us in his severity.

Listen to the Lord’s appeal: In me, I want you to see your own body, your members, your heart, your bones, your blood.  You may fear what is divine, but why not love what is human?  You may run away from me as the Lord, but why not run to me as your father?  Perhaps you are filled with shame for causing my bitter passion. 

Do not be afraid.  This cross inflicts a mortal injury, not on me, but on death.  These nails no longer pain me, but only deepen your love for me.  I do not cry out because of these wounds, but through them I draw you into my heart. 

My body was stretched on the cross as a symbol, not of how much I suffered, but of my all-embracing love. I count it no loss to shed my blood. 

Come, then return to me and learn to know me as your father, who repays good for evil, love for injury, and boundless charity for piercing wounds.