Homilies on Philippians 7 part 2/2

There will be no dispute: in these things we exercise self-control;

here the irrational creatures have nothing in common with us.

For though we fall short of them all, we hold mastery over them.

For in this the sovereignty is the greater, that, falling short of them, we yet reign over them;

that you may learn that you are not the cause of this, but God who made you and bestowed reason upon you.

We set nets and traps for them, and we cast them out, and we subdue them.

With us there is self-control, forbearance, gentleness, contempt of riches.

But since you, being one of the reckless, have none of these things, you naturally either think yourself greater than men, or even lower than the irrational creatures.

For such is the nature of madness and audacity:

either it is exalted beyond what is fitting, or again it is likewise abased, nowhere preserving due proportion.

In this respect we are equal to the angels;

a kingdom has been promised to us, the choir-dance with Christ.

Man is scourged, and does not give way;

man despises death, does not tremble, does not fear, does not crave for more.

So that all who are not such are worse than the irrational creatures.

For when you have the advantage in bodily things, but do not possess the advantages of the soul, how are you not worse than the irrational creatures? Bring, then, into the midst some one of those who are more irrational in their wickedness, who live in luxury and greed;

his horse is more warlike, the boar stronger, the hare swifter, the peacock more beautiful, the swan sweeter of voice, the elephant larger, the eagle keener of sight, all the birds richer.

Whence then are you worthy to rule over the irrational creatures? From reason? But it is not there.

For when you have not used it for its proper end, again you are worse than they;

for when, having reason, you are more irrational than they, it were better had you not from the first become a rational being.

For it is not the same thing to betray a rule once received, and not to receive it out of due season.

The man who reigns, yet is worse than his own bodyguards—it were better for him had he never put on the purple robe.

Knowing then that without virtue we are worse even than the irrational creatures, let us practice it, that we may become men—nay rather angels—and may enjoy the good things that have been promised, by the grace and love toward mankind of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father together with the Holy Spirit be glory, might, and honor, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.