The Second Homily Concerning the Forty Martyrs (Part Two)

THE SECOND HOMILY CONCERNING THE FORTY MARTYRS (Part Two) by GREGORY OF NYSSA Translation by Brother Casimir McCambley, OCSO, St. Joseph's Abbey, Spencer, Massachussetts

[M.757 & J.145] Yesterday the martyrs who summoned the people are now presented as guests to the Church. This is a joyous occasion whose yearly observance benefits those assembled for the festival, and we must reciprocate in similar fashion. Although yesterday's commemoration was insufficient when we received [the martyrs] as our guests, we should make them feel welcome today. In other words, even a small portion left over from such an abundant banquet is adequate. What is the meaning of this small portion? You certainly recall our remarks about that sweet multitude which earnestly prayed for those assembled together to beseech their intercession. The Church is a teeming multitude which resembles the sea surging with the throng of persons who are always hard pressed. It resembles the ocean's roar whose waves resound as they dash against the shores of our ears. We now leave behind the noise of this tempest when we recall the martyrs' concern for our plight. This is our intention because neither those who do not share these struggles nor any [J.146] ignoble crowd failing to pursue humility can attain this dignity. Rather, persons by reason of their sound physical constitution, beauty, power and strength are numbered among those soldiers who have preceded them. Furthermore, their virtuous life and admirable decorum reveals them as a race perfected and ennobled by the martyrs' grace. If our remarks show that we can participate in their sweetness, we should follow in their steps and reach the arena of combat under their guidance.

Once there was a certain military detachment which defended a city against a barbarian invasion. Before some of these men experienced a divine apparition, they put greater faith in their military tactics, and it was not by chance that one exploit of their faith is recounted. A war arose against the barbarians where everyone was occupied with opposing the enemy's threat which pressed upon them like water. This was due either to the soldiers' inexperience or to the greater providence of God, and was a matter of interest to Christians and unbelievers alike. Since they lacked a fountain or spring, they were in danger of [M.760] capitulation through thirst. Then the nobles [of the city] realized that they could not resist through force of arms, and that they were in danger of capitulating to the enemy. Leaving behind men in the camp who lacked faith, they withdrew in imitation of that miracle which occurred in the time of Elias the prophet [J.147]. By joining their voices together [in prayer], they escaped calamity and their desperate situation.

They found strength, and their prayers were transformed into deeds. When they persevered at prayer on their knees, a cloud formed by a violent wind appeared over the enemy camp. A fierce rumbling sound fell upon them, and many lightening bolts produced such an onrush of water that it brought complete destruction. Their prayers had a two-fold result: victory over the foe and relief of their thirst. This account enables our band of soldiers to be united with them and their generous virtue encourages us to imitate them.

The story of Job (Job 1.7+ & 2.1+) teaches us that mankind's harmful adversary served to make him pleasing; by proving Job, he was found sincere, just and blameless. Similarly, the adversary looks with evil intent upon [the martyrs'] good deeds and struggles. He also takes into account the mature demeanor present in the prime of their youth. He sees sound bodies adorned with restraint, the armed chorus leading them in battle array to God, a beautiful sight to behold. Their spirits are exultant; they are quick footed, powerful, trained, and in every circumstance they triumph by reason of the soul's virtue which is visible through their physical splendor. He [the adversary] jealously follows them as he wanders throughout the world. Not only does he see one sincere man, but the divine [J.148] assembly of all those who are true, just and reverent. He first attempts to persuade the army's leader to worship idols. If he fails by not slaying those who worship Christ's name, the barbarians are not victorious.

We have alluded to the noble confession of those persons who attained perfection through the sufferings which the enemy suddenly yet mercifully inflicted by the sword, for their iron bonds heralded that the time had come [M.761] for retaliation. However, these fetters were an elegant adornment and a pleasing sight to the Christians. This illustrious, chosen band of young men which excelled all others was closely united and resembled a crown or pearl necklace radiant in every respect. They exemplified the saints who were united in faith and bound to each other. Every man shared the loveliness of his compatriot. The wonders of heaven display this harmony, for example, during a clear night when the stars' brilliance is distinguished from others by forming a single common beauty. The prophet Ezekiel says that this vision of the saints resembles torches which turn to and fro (Ezk 1.130), and that the beauty of this [divine] form is fond of dwelling within them. Wisdom says that the greatness and beauty of creatures enables us to form an image of hidden beauty (Wisd 13.5) because the soul's purity is visible, and man who is visible is a noble habitation of what lies hidden. How great is that loveliness which belongs to the angels [J.149] and supernatural beings! Demons are distressed at the sight, and they readily acknowledge this fact. By reason of their greatness, such men are soldiers of Christ armed with the Holy Spirit, champions of faith and towers of the divine city. They resist every infliction of torture, fear, threats and foolish, shameful ridicule; they appear to offer their bodies to such outrages, but these are merely shadows. Such persons who are in the flesh defeat the flesh and have contempt for death; they disdain all fear of tyrants and appear more noble. How lovely are those trained in such bodily victories! How wonderful is their training when applied to combat against the devil! They are not armed with swords, shields, helmets nor leg protection; rather, they are armed with the full armor of God which the divine Apostle [Paul], the leader of the Church, illustrates: a shield, breastplate, helmet and sword (Eph 6.11+). These weapons are used against the enemy's forces, but divine grace supports them against the devil's troop which has the power to inflict death. This troop takes its stand in the tribunal, the place of decisive contest, where blood is shed; here [the devil's band] makes it threats and fights against those who patiently resist it.

These adversaries who want us to renounce our faith in the Lord or to suffer death [M.764] are resisted by strong men who remain faithful unto death. Although they threaten them with fire, cast them into pits and inflict other torments, they have one voice and holy confession which Christ hears. Resistance against this torment of the enemy's appalling insults [J.150] troubles his heart and is like a stone in David's hand slung at the enemy's helmet (1Sam 17.49+). We behead the enemy when as noble soldiers we cast, as it were, our confession in Christ. But the [martyrs'] account continues and leaves these matters behind while jumping over any obstacle. It boldly advances to matters which are unutterable and mentions them as if they were visible because a bold confession in Christ is encouragement and praise from above. The citizens of the heavenly city honor their success which brings joy to the entire assembly of heaven. This is the marvel which the angels behold among men and which these spectators of our lives saw in that conflict between the devil and men. How different is this marvel compared to that first struggle when the serpent vanquished Adam (Gen 3.1+)! One person did not sustain this evil attack which sought to do harm through a sound pretext; rather, everyone was affected by this assault and fell. However, all these conflicts of the enemy were reduced to nothing and were ineffective. [The devil] offered hope but they spurned it; he terrorized them but they scorned it; he threatened them with fear but they overcame it. There one fear was to be separated from Christ, for to be with Christ was their only value since everything else seemed like laughter, shadows, nonsense and fanciful dreams.

The text now speaks of these invisible attacks and mentions the transcendent power which brought success to the contestants. It encourages those who are disheartened and talks about the transcendent powers which support them because he who is just guides them in combat to obtain crowns of glory. The commander-in-chief of the divine army has prepared rewards for those who are victorious, and [J.151] the Holy Spirit bestows various gifts. Because they confess faith in the Trinity, the divine Persons, in turn, dispense grace. What do I mean by this?

I am speaking of that more honorable grace pertaining to our first contestants, Adam and Eve. Although they rejected human nature because of sin, these contestants were guided through the fall to what was lost. [Our parents] were driven out from paradise and dwelled upon the earth. They brought death upon themselves (for the weapon of death is sin), while [the martyrs] rendered death ineffective. Although death was fortified by sin, patient [M.765] fortitude blunted the sting of passions. Therefore we may rightly say, "Where, oh death, is your sting? Where is victory, oh hell" (1Cor 15.55)? What is more miserable and vile than the tree's fruit? Its color and sweet taste disgraced us and disparaged the grace of paradise.

The sun's rays do not attract these noble contestants; instead, they freely shunned it in order not to lose the true light. What does scripture say about Eve (I hastily mention the request made by our first parents)? "She saw that [the fruit] was lovely to behold and pleasing to taste" (Gen 3.6). As a result [of tasting the fruit], the blessing of paradise was lost. We also include those perceptible objects which we treasure as the heavens, sun, earth, people, as well as our country, mother, brothers, friends, relatives and colleagues. What can be sweeter and more enjoyable than cherishing them? Children, you know the affection you have for your parents. You who are fathers know how you should attend to your children. You who admire the sun know how agreeable it is. You who earnestly express brotherly love are certainly familiar with this natural affection. Youths, you know the value of your fellow [J.152] comrades. Nevertheless, all these are insignificant because one good alone exists and that is Christ himself. [The martyrs] rejected them in order to gain him. The saints reckoned the time spent in chains as nothing; they spurned it since their desire matured into perfect love.

Persons concerned for their physical well being train for wrestling and thus become more confident for competition. Similarly, those who have been trained by fetters and imprisonment for their faith have received a crown. Such trials are means of attaining perfection, the aim of their endeavors. Now is the time. These are the days of struggle. We are at the threshold of the Paschal feast and the mystery of the holy Forty Days. These days are a time of propitiation and closely resemble the saints' crowns. Do I appear overbearing and talkative by speaking to you of your very own marvels? But to appreciate their value, let us hasten to the goal for which the saints strive. The day [of their martyrdom] was very cold. I certainly do not have to inform you about the cold since today's weather gives you a clear idea about it. The chill even penetrates the walls; both you who are strangers and natives are fully acquainted with its severity. I have also heard that another phenomenon occurs in your winters, namely, that the constantly flowing rivers freeze over, and their waves congeal to stone. The nearby lake turns [M.768] into land, and horses can ride upon its hardened waves. I also know that inhabitants of this area often acquire water by melting it. For example, they take water which became hard as stone and break it up much like a piece of copper or iron. Such was the season of the [martyrs'] contest [J.153] and the time of their miracles when the north wind blew so vehemently.

When [the martyrs] publically confessed the Lord's name, they acknowledged that they have been crowned and perfected through death by such a bold proclamation. The tyrant decided that the their contest was to be carried out by exposing them to the cold.

How ineffective were his words and utterances, and what an insult to their dignity! He proclaimed the sentence of death by freezing and punished them by venting his wrath. However, the joy of these youths in the freezing cold made light of their tribulation and alleviated the [tyrant's] retaliation. Suffering was the course for these athletes; their path was both sacred and severe, and their struggle crowned their confession. They shared the same zeal for victory. No one ever beheld such fervor since they were of one mind as if they were to remove their garments in a public bath. They gave voice to Job's words, "We have come into the world naked and leave the same way" (Job 1.21). "We bring nothing into the world and cannot take anything out of it" (1Tim 6.7). Having uttered these comforting words, they exposed their bodies to the cold. Once the natural elements ran their course, the martyrs attained victory. Their [human] nature experienced grievous pain, but the heroic character of these athletes contended successfully against it. After a short time they quenched their pain, and the cold vanished while the strength of their souls increased. [J.154] Their body's beauty darkened, withered, and their healthy color disappeared. Their fingers fell off in the cold, and they were soon disfigured while the penetrating cold shattered all their limbs and physical sensation. Soon their flesh became ashen; it swelled and was torn from the bones as they endured death's anguish. In this fashion their agony was prolonged for three days. When sensation [M.769] left them, they remained in this same place and achieved victory against the enemy.

Who can adequately describe their dignity and divine mission once their holy bodies were triumphantly carried to the fire? How did grace protect them from the devil's assaults? Who can speak of that mother, the source of [the martyrs'] witness, who relinquished what was so dear to her? Although she was not dragged away, she was their inspiration and saw that their humanity remained strong in virtue without succumbing to pride. On the other hand, abuses were hurled against [the martyrs] since their vigor had distinguished them. Their noble behavior now assisted them in their witness at the point of death when they were immobilized by the cold and were weakened by shortness of breath. While still alive, [the martyrs] suffered great pain, and with dim and cloudy vision they recognized their mother. She consoled and comforted their dying, weak hands in order to exhort them in their noble struggle. Can a mother bear anything like this? Are not her feelings moved as she sunders her tunic to embrace their frozen arms in an attempt to warm them? Her attempts were futile, and we have nothing further to say. Let us learn from [J.155] the fruit of the tree: a tree cannot produce good fruit when it is rotten (Mt 7.16-18).

Although the martyrs' achievements are noble, special praise befits their mother who is saved by giving birth as the Apostle says (1Tm 2.15). God is responsible in his defense of that nature common to women. He says, "Neither are you my son nor the fruit of my pain, but because you have received God, he has begotten you. Run to your father and do not forsake your friends. Do not come in second place to your crown, and let your mother's prayer not be in vain. Do not sadden her since you have triumphed with a crown of victory." Having said this and having received strength well beyond her nature, that is, having been fortified by the Spirit, she forsakes what belongs to her, assumes a joyful countenance and advances to the struggle. Next we see that the saints engage in combat in the air, sanctify fire by taking on its form and by being transformed into flames. They also assume the form of water and fulfill divine revelation as a result of all these trails. They resemble the three youths who sing praise in both cold and heat: cold by having been frozen and heat by having been burned. As a result, they are transformed into fire and water (cf. Dan 3.23).

Now that we know the account of their witness, let us continue since [M.772] time permits it. When man was banished from paradise, a revolving fiery sword guarded its entrance (Gen 3.24) because God in his providence did not wish man to obtain the tree of life, taste it and thus achieve immortality. You recall the questions presented to us and remember our response. But if we were to thoroughly examine every point, we would [J.156] not have enough time. However, the question is as follows: If paradise is inaccessible for the saints and if the revolving sword hinders access for such athletes, what about the promise held out for those who have struggled for their religion? Will they have an inferior position like the thief even though the Lord said to him, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Lk 23.43)? The thief did not approach the cross voluntarily, but he was aware of the treasure of salvation which was nearby. Because he happened to be present at the right time for saving his life, the thief wisely asked, "Lord, remember me in your kingdom" (Lk 23.42). Although he was worthy of paradise, did the flaming sword hinder the saints from entering? A solution exists for this dilemma. Scripture shows that the revolving sword does not always oppose those who enter paradise. It hinders unworthy persons but is behind those who are worthy and opens an open path to life. The flame passed right through persons by reason of their courage and causes them no harm. We who freely and boldly enter paradise are strengthened by the [martyrs'] intercession through a noble confession in our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

-------------------------------------------------------------------