Homilies on First Corinthians 19 part 2/2

for if widows incur judgment by entering into second marriages, once they have chosen widowhood, much more do virgins.

'But such shall have tribulation in the flesh.'

But see how he checked even this by the brevity of the season, saying:

'The time is short';

that is, We are commanded to depart and to go forth henceforth, yet you run further inward.

And indeed, even if marriage had nothing burdensome, one ought thus to press on toward the things to come;

but when it also has tribulation, why should one drag along a load? Why should one take up so great a weight, when even after taking it one must so use it as though not having it? For, 'Those who have wives,' he says, 'let them be as though they had none.'

Then, having inserted something also concerning the things to come, he again brought the discourse back to the present.

namely, that the one cares for the things of her husband, but the other for the things of God;

and as for the things of the present life, this: 'I want you to be free from care.'

But nevertheless, even so he leaves them masters of their own choice.

For he who, after showing what is preferable, again compels, seems not to trust his own words.

So that by allowance he rather drew them on and held them fast, saying:

'This I say for your own benefit, not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for what is seemly and constantly attends upon the Lord.'

Let the virgins hear that virginity is not defined by this alone;

for she who cares for the things of the world would be neither a virgin nor seemly.

For having said, 'The wife and the virgin are divided,' he set down this difference, and that by which they are distinguished from one another.

And in giving the definition of the virgin and of her who is not a virgin, he named neither marriage nor self-control, but freedom from cares and busyness with many affairs.

For intercourse is not the evil, but being hindered in the pursuit of the philosophic life.

'But if anyone thinks that he is behaving unseemly toward his virgin...'

Here he seems indeed to be discoursing on behalf of marriage;

But this whole passage he speaks concerning virginity.

For he even permits a second marriage, only saying, 'In the Lord.'

And what does 'In the Lord' mean? With self-control, with decency.

For there is need of this everywhere, and one must pursue it; for otherwise it is not possible to see God.

For otherwise it is not possible to see God.

But if we have passed over the matters concerning virginity, let no one condemn us for negligence.

For a whole book has been composed by us upon this very theme, and having there treated of all things with such exactness as was within our power, we thought it superfluous to insert the same matters here again.

Wherefore, having referred the hearer thither for these matters, here we will say only this: that one must pursue continence.

For 'Pursue peace,' he says, 'and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord.'

In order, then, that we may be counted worthy to see Him, whether we be in virginity, or in a first marriage, or in a second, let us press after this, that we may attain the kingdom of the heavens, by the grace and lovingkindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father together with the Holy Spirit be glory, might, honor, now and ever, and unto the ages of the ages. Amen.