In the Office of Readings for today, an author from the second century wrote about how we come to recognize God. What he wrote reminds me of what Papa Luciani said and wrote many years later. This simplicity of the thought, yet the profound nature of the words, are timeless in their applicability.
I offer here a section of the second century’s author homily. (My translation of the Italian text I use.)
But in what way do we recognize God? Doing what he says and not dishonoring his commandments; honoring him not only with our lips but with all our heart and mind. He says, in fact, through the mouth of Isaiah, “This people approach me with their words only, and honor me with their lips while their hearts are far from me.” (Is 29:13) Let us not be contented, then, to call him Lord; this does us no good. He in fact reminds us, “Not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord will save himself; only he who does good.” (cf. Mt 7: 21) Thus, brothers, we recognize him in the practical life, loving each other, fleeing from all impurity, slander, envy, living instead temperately, with mercy and goodness. We recall that our rule of life must be that of mutual help, not the lust for money. We recognize God exactly in this way and not doing the contrary. …. We run in the way of justice, we struggle according to the rule of life, we navigate through many obstacles so as to be crowned….
This unknown author over 2000 years ago penned words that remain true to this day, and his word are reminiscent of what Papa Luciani wrote during his years as bishop and later as Pope.
