Sermon - Let Us Throw Off the Works of Darkness
Opuscula IV - Sermons, Liturgical Works
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Abiciamus opera tenebrarum
Let Us Throw Off the Works of Darkness
AbiciamusSermo eadem Dominica
Sermon on the First Sunday of Advent
AbiciamusItem sermo fratris Thomae de Aquino editus eadem Dominica in domo Praedicatorum Bononiae coram universitate.
This sermon of Friar Thomas Aquinas was preached the same Sunday in the house of the Dominicans of Bologna in the presence of the university.1
AbiciamusAd Romanos XIII.
Romans 13:12
AbiciamusAbiciamus opera tenebrarum et induamur arma lucis.
Let us throw off the works of the darkness and put on the arms of the light.
AbiciamusSermo
Sermon
AbiciamusApostolus Christianorum doctor et dux in fide et veritate, in tempore hoc Domini nostri1 adventus, per verba ista, sive in hiis verbis, informat nos2 ad duo, scilicet ad liberalem horrorem omnium mundialium macularum et vitiorum, et ad honorabilem amorem sive assecutionem caelestium virtutum.
The Apostle, teacher of the Christians and leader in faith and truth, formulates this in this time of the gracious coming of our Lord with these words, or in these words, for two reasons: in order to (1) stir up a liberating abhorrence of all worldly stains and vices as well as (2) an honorable love or pursuit of heavenly virtues.
AbiciamusPrimum facit cum dicit: abiciamus opera tenebrarum;
The first thing he does when he says: let us throw off the works of the darkness;
Abiciamussecundum cum subdit: et induamur arma lucis.
the second, when he adds: and let us put on the arms of the light.
Abiciamus1. Circa primum nota quod opera et vitia mundi tenebrosa dicuntur et ideo abicienda:
1. Concerning the first thing, note that the works and the vices of the world are called “dark,” and that therefore they must be thrown off.
Abiciamus1.1. quia in eis est manifestus defectus sapientiae ad cognoscendum veritatem; Iohannis I: lux in tenebris lucet et tenebrae eum non cognoverunt;
1.1. For there is in them an obvious lack of the wisdom that is needed in order to arrive at the truth which we are to know. John 1:5 reads: the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not recognize1 it.
Abiciamus1.2. quia in eis est manifestus defectus providentiae ad precavendum malum; Sapientiae XVII: tenebroso oblivionis velamento dispersi sunt.
1.2. Furthermore, in darkness there is an obvious lack of foresight, which is needed for preventing evil. Wisdom 17:3 reads: they are scattered by a dark veil of forgetfulness.1
Abiciamus2. Circa secundum nota quod opera Evangelii et carismata Spiritus Sancti sunt nobis arma contra mundum, carnem et diabolum, et constituunt in luce:
2. Concerning the second point, note that the works of the Gospel and the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit are for us the arms against the world, the flesh, and the devil, and that they make us stand firm in the light.
Abiciamus2.1. quia per effectum gratiae illuminantis instar lucis faciunt nos agnoscere divinum secretum; II1 Corinthios III: Deus autem qui dixit de tenebris lucem splendescere etc.
2.1. Because through the effect of enlightening grace, which is like a light, they cause us to recognize the divine secret.1 In 2 Corinthians 4:6 it says: yet God, who has said that light will shine from the darkness, has shone his light in our hearts in order to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God which is on the face of Jesus Christ.
Abiciamus2.2. quia per effectum gratiae conciliantis instar lucis pacificant quod intra nos gestamus bellum; Proverbiorum XVI: mandatum lucerna est et lex lux, etc.
2.2. Because by the effect of reconciling grace, which is like a light, these [spiritual gifts] make peace when we wage war among ourselves (cf. Gal 5:22–23). Proverbs 6:23 says: the commandment is a lamp and the law a light, et cetera.
Abiciamus2.3. quia per effectum gratiae honestantis instar lucis decorant nos et in nobis totum universum; Iohannis V: ille erat lucerna ardens et lucens.
2.3. Because through the effect of the grace of honesty, which is like a light, they make us beautiful,1 and, in us, the whole universe. John 5:35 reads: he was a burning and light-giving lamp.
Abiciamus