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 less to shed my blood: it is the price I have paid for your
ransom. 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.
– Saint
Peter Chrysologus from
a sermon
Saint
Peter Chrysologus' patronage:
Against fever; against mad dogs.
