Sermons — St. Leo the Great

Sermon I Preached on his Birthday, or day of Ordination.
Sermon II On his Birthday, II.: Delivered on the Anniversary of his Consecration. c.1–2
Chapter 1 The Lord raises up the weak and gives him grace according to his need.
Chapter 2 The mighty assemblage of prelates testifies to men’s loyal acceptance of Peter in Peter’s unworthy successor.
Sermon III On His Birthday, III: Delivered on the Anniversary of his Elevation to the Pontificate. c.1–4
Chapter 1 The honour of being raised to the episcopate must be referred solely to the Divine Head of the Church.
Chapter 2 From Christ and through S. Peter the priesthood is handed on in perpetuity.
Chapter 3 S. Peter’s work is still carried out by his successors.
Chapter 4 This festival then is in S. Peter’s honour, and the progress of his flock redounds to his glory.
Sermon IX Upon the Collections, IV. c.1–4
Chapter 1 The devil’s wickedness in leading men astray is now counteracted by the work of redemption in restoring them to the truth.
Chapter 2 God’s just judgment against sin is denounced that we may avoid it by deeds of mercy and love.
Chapter 3 We minister to Christ Himself in the person of his poor.
Chapter 4 To complete their acceptance by God, they must not neglect to lay all information against the Manichees who are in the city.
Sermon X On the Collections, V. c.1–4
Chapter 1 Our goods are given us not as our own possessions but for use in God’s service.
Chapter 2 The liberal use of riches is worse than vain, if it be for selfish ends alone.
Chapter 3 The duty of mercy outweighs all other virtues.
Chapter 4 And its efficacy, as Scripture proves, is incalculable.
Sermon XII On the Fast of The Tenth Month, I. c.1–4
Chapter 1 Restoration to the Divine image in which we were made is only possible by our imitation of God’s will.
Chapter 2 We must love both God and our neighbour, and “our neighbour” must be interpreted in its widest sense.
Chapter 3 We must be thankful, and show our thankfulness for what we have received, whether much or little.
Chapter 4 Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the three comprehensive duties of a Christian.
Sermon XVI On the Fast of the Tenth Month. c.1–6
Chapter 1 The prosperous must show forth their thankfulness to God, by liberality to the poor and needy.
Chapter 2 Almsgiving and fasting are the most essential aids to prayer.
Chapter 3 Christians’ pious activity has so enraged Satan that he has multiplied heresies to wreak them harm.
Chapter 4 Of all heresies Manicheism is the worst and foullest.
Chapter 5 Every one should abjure such men, and give all the information they possess about them to the authorities.
Chapter 6 Zeal in rooting out heresy will make other pious duties more acceptable.
Sermon XVII On the Fast of the Tenth Month, VI. c.1–4
Chapter 1 The duty of fasting is based on both the Old and New Testaments, and is closely connected with the duties of prayer and almsgiving.
Chapter 2 He that lends to the Lord makes a better bargain than he that lends to man.
Chapter 3 Money-lending at high interest is in all respects iniquitous.
Chapter 4 Let us avoid avarice, and share God’s benefits with others.
Sermon XIX On the Fast of the Ten Month, VIII. c.1–3
Chapter 1 Self-restraint leads to higher enjoyments.
Chapter 2 The teaching of the four yearly fasts is that spiritual self-restraint is as necessary as corporeal.
Chapter 3 Thus fasting in mind as well as body, and giving alms freely, we shall win God’s highest favour.
Sermon XXI On the Feast of the Nativity, I. c.1–3
Chapter 1 All share in the joy of Christmas.
Chapter 2 The mystery of the Incarnation is a fitting theme for joy both to angels and to men.
Chapter 3 Christians then must live worthily of Christ their Head.
Sermon XXII On the Feast of the Nativity, II. c.1–6
Chapter 1 The mystery of the Incarnation demands our joy.
Chapter 2 The new character of the birth of Christ explained.
Chapter 3 Justice required that Satan should be vanquished by God made man.
Chapter 4 The Incarnation deceived the Devil and caused him to break the bond under which he held men.
Chapter 5 The Christian is exhorted to share in the blessings of the Incarnation.
Chapter 6 The festival has nothing to do with sun-worship, as some maintain.
Sermon XXIII On the Feast of the Nativity, III. c.1–5
Chapter 1 The truths of the Incarnation never suffer from being repeated.
Chapter 2 The Arians could not comprehend the union of God and man.
Chapter 3 The Incarnation was necessary to the taking away of sin.
Chapter 4 The blessings of the Incarnation stretch backwards as well as reach forward.
Chapter 5 The coming of Christ in our flesh corresponds with our becoming members of His body.
Sermon XXIV On the Feast of the Nativity, IV. c.1–6
Chapter 1 The Incarnation fulfils all its types and promises.
Chapter 2 The Incarnation was the only effective remedy to the fall.
Chapter 3 We all become partakers in the Birth of Christ, by the re-birth of baptism.
Chapter 4 The Manichæans, by rejecting the Incarnation, have fallen into terrible iniquities.
Chapter 5 Other heresies contain some portion of truth, but the Manichæans contain none whatever.
Chapter 6 Christians must cling to the one Faith and not be led astray.
Sermon XXVI On the Feast of the Nativity, VI. c.1–5
Chapter 1 Christmas morning is the most appropriate time for thoughts on the Nativity.
Chapter 2 Christians are essentially participators in the nativity of Christ.
Chapter 3 Peace with God is His best gift to man.
Chapter 4 We must be worthy of our calling as sons and friends of God.
Chapter 5 The birth of Christ is the birth of peace to the Church.
Sermon XXVII On the Feast of the Nativity, VII. c.1–6
Chapter 1 It is equally dangerous to deny the Godhead or the Manhood in Christ.
Chapter 2 The Incarnation has changed all the possibilities of man’s existence.
Chapter 3 The Devil knows exactly what temptations to offer to each several person.
Chapter 4 The foolish practice of some who turn to the sun and bow to it is reprehensible.
Chapter 5 The sun and moon were created for use, not for worship.
Chapter 6 Let us awake to the proper use of all our parts and facilities.
Sermon XXVIII On the Festival of the Nativity, VIII. c.1–7
Chapter 1 The Incarnation an unceasing source of joy.
Chapter 2 The Virgin’s conception explained.
Chapter 3 In redeeming man, justice as well as mercy had to be considered.
Chapter 4 All heresies proceed from failure to believe the twofold nature of Christ.
Chapter 5 Nestorianism and Eutychianism are particularly to be avoided at the present time.
Chapter 6 The Deity and the Manhood were present in Christ from the very first.
Chapter 7 The fulness of the Godhead is imparted to the Body (the Church) through the Head, (Christ).
Sermon XXXI On the Feast of the Epiphany, I. c.1–3
Chapter 1 The Epiphany a necessary sequel to the Nativity.
Chapter 2 Herod’s evil designs were fruitless. The wise men’s gifts were consciously symbolical.
Chapter 3 The massacre of the innocents is in harmony with the Virgin’s conception, which again teaches us purity of life.
Sermon XXXIII On the Feast of the Epiphany, III. c.1–5
Chapter 1 When we were yet sinners, Christ came to save.
Chapter 2 The wise men from the East are typical fulfilments of God’s promise to Abraham.
Chapter 3 The chosen race is no longer the Jews, but believers of every nation.
Chapter 4 The massacre of the Innocents through the consequent flight of Christ, brings the truth into Egypt.
Chapter 5 We must keep this festival as thankful sons of light.
Sermon XXXIV On the Feast of the Epiphany, IV. c.1–5
Chapter 1 The yearly observance of the Epiphany is profitable to Christians.
Chapter 2 Both Herod and the wise men originally had an earthly conception of the kingdom signified; but the latter learnt the truth, the former did not.
Chapter 3 The perseverance of the Magi has led to the most important results.
Chapter 4 The Manichæan heresy corrupts the Scriptures in order to disprove the truth.
Chapter 5 Avoid all dealings with the heretics, but intercede with God for them.
Sermon XXXVI On the Feast of the Epiphany, VI. c.1–4
Chapter 1 The story of the magi not only a byegone fact in history, but of everyday application to ourselves.
Chapter 2 Satan still carries on the wiles of Herod, and, as it were, personates him in his opposition to Christ.
Chapter 3 The cessation of active persecution does not do away with the need of continued vigilance: Satan has only changed his tactics.
Chapter 4 Timely repentance gains God’s merciful consideration.
Sermon XXXIX On Lent, I. c.1–6
Chapter 1 The benefits of abstinence shown by the example of the Hebrews.
Chapter 2 Use Lent to vanquish the enemy, and be thus preparing for Eastertide.
Chapter 3 Fights are necessary to prove our Faith.
Chapter 4 The Christian’s armour is both for defence and for attack.
Chapter 5 Abstinence not only from food but from other evil desires, especially from wrath, is required in Lent.
Chapter 6 The right use of Lent will lead to a happy participation in Easter.
Sermon XL On Lent, II. c.1–5
Chapter 1 Progress and improvement always possible.
Chapter 2 Satan seeks to supply his numerous losses by fresh gains.
Chapter 3 The twofold nature of Christ shown at the Temptation.
Chapter 4 The Fast should not end with abstinence from food, but lead to good deeds.
Chapter 5 And still further it should lead to personal amendment and domestic harmony.
Sermon XLII On Lent, IV. c.1–6
Chapter 1 The Lenten fast an opportunity for restoring our purity.
Chapter 2 Lent must be used for removing all our defilements, and of good works there must be no stint.
Chapter 3 As with the Saviour, so with us, the devil tries to make our very piety its own snare.
Chapter 4 The perverse turn even their fasting into sin.
Chapter 5 Be reasonable and seasonable in your fasting.
Chapter 6 Make your fasting a reality by amendment in your lives.
Sermon XLVI On Lent, VIII. c.1–4
Chapter 1 Lent must be kept not only by avoiding bodily impurity but also by avoiding errors of thought and faith.
Chapter 2 All the actions of Christ reveal the presence of the twofold nature.
Chapter 3 Hold fast to the statements of the Creed.
Chapter 4 Use Lent for general improvement in the whole round of Christian duties.
Sermon XLIX On Lent, XI. c.1–6
Chapter 1 The Lenten fast is incumbent on all alike.
Chapter 2 The broad road is crowded, the narrow way of salvation nearly empty.
Chapter 3 Satan is incited to fresh efforts at this season of the year.
Chapter 4 Self-examination by the standard of God’s commands the right occupation in Lent.
Chapter 5 Forgiveness of our own sins requires that we should forgive others.
Chapter 6 Reconciliation between enemies and alms-giving are also Lenten duties.
Sermon LI A Homily delivered on the Saturday before the Second Sunday in Lent—on the Transfiguration, S. Matt. xvii. 1–13 c.1–8
Chapter 1 Peter’s confession shown to lead up to the Transfiguration.
Chapter 2 The same continued.
Chapter 3 The object and the meaning of the Transfiguration.
Chapter 4 The significance of the appearance of Moses and Elias.
Chapter 5 S. Peter’s suggestion contrary to the Divine order.
Chapter 6 The import of the Father’s voice from the cloud.
Chapter 7 Who it is we have to hear.
Chapter 8 The Father’s words have a universal application to the whole Church.
Sermon LIV On the Passion, III.; delivered on the Sunday before Easter. c.1–6
Chapter 1 The two-fold nature of Christ set forth.
Chapter 2 The two natures acted conjointly, and the human sufferings were not compulsory, but in accordance with the Divine will.
Chapter 3 Judas’ infamy has never been exceeded.
Chapter 4 Christ voluntarily bartered His glory for our weakness.
Chapter 5 S. Peter was the first to benefit by his Master’s humiliation.
Chapter 6 The mad counsel of the Jews was turned to their own destruction.
Sermon LV On the Lord’s Passion IV., delivered on Wednesday in Holy Week. c.1–5
Chapter 1 The difference between the penitence and blasphemy of the two robbers is a type of the human race.
Chapter 2 The chief priests showed utter ignorance of Scripture in their taunts.
Chapter 3 The triumph of the Cross is immediate and effective.
Chapter 4 When the last act in the tragedy was over how must the Jews have felt?
Chapter 5 Chastity and charity are the two things most needful in preparing for Easter Communion.
Sermon LVIII On the Passion, VII. c.1–5
Chapter 1 The reason of Christ suffering at the Paschal Feast.
Chapter 2 The leading Jews broke their own Law, as well as failed to apprehend the new dispensation in destroying Christ.
Chapter 3 Jesus instituting the Blessed Sacrament showed mercy to the traitor Judas to the last.
Chapter 4 Various incidents of the Passion further explained and the reality of Christ’s sufferings asserted.
Chapter 5 The resignation of Christ is an undying lesson to the Church.
Sermon LIX On the Passion, VIII.: on Wednesday in Holy Week. c.1–8
Chapter 1 Christ’s arrest fulfils His own eternal purpose.
Chapter 2 How great was Pilate’s crime in allowing himself to be led astray by the Jews.
Chapter 3 Yet the Jews’ guilt was infinitely greater.
Chapter 4 Christ bearing His own cross is an eternal lesson to the Church.
Chapter 5 The transference of the cross from the Lord to Simon of Cyrene signifies the participation of the Gentiles in His sufferings.
Chapter 6 We are to see not only the cross but the meaning of it.
Chapter 7 The power of the cross is universally attractive.
Chapter 8 We must live not for ourselves but for Christ, who died for us.
Sermon LXII On the Passion, XI. c.1–5
Chapter 1 The mystery of the Passion passes man’s comprehension.
Chapter 2 The Creed takes up S. Peter’s confession as the fundamental doctrine of the Church.
Chapter 3 The Devil’s devices were turned against himself.
Chapter 4 Why Judas could not obtain forgiveness through Christ.
Chapter 5 The cruelty of Christ’s crucifixion is lost in its wondrous power.
Sermon LXIII On the Passion, XII.: preached on Wednesday. c.1–7
Chapter 1 God chose to save man by strength made perfect in weakness.
Chapter 2 God’s plan was always partially understood, and is now of universal application.
Chapter 3 The union of the Divine Head with Its members inseparable.
Chapter 4 Christ’s passion provided a saving mystery and an example for us to follow.
Chapter 5 Christ not destroyed, but fulfilled and elevated the Law.
Chapter 6 The present effect of Christ’s passion is daily realized by Christians, especially in Holy Baptism.
Chapter 7 The good works of Christians are only part of Christ’s good works.
Sermon LXVII On the Passion, XVI.: delivered on the Sunday. c.1–7
Chapter 1 The contemplation of the prophecies of Christ’s suffering are a great source of pious delight.
Chapter 2 The Divine foreknowledge does not account for the Jews’ wickedness so as to excuse them.
Chapter 3 Christ was in no sense the Author of His murderer’s guilt.
Chapter 4 The enormity of Judas’ crime is set forth.
Chapter 5 Christ’s Passion was for our Redemption by mystery and example.
Chapter 6 We can only attain to Christ’s perfection by following in His steps.
Chapter 7 Christ cry of “Forsaken” on the cross was to teach us the insufficiency of the human nature without the Divine.
Sermon LXVIII On the Passion, XVII.: delivered on the Wednesday. c.1–4
Chapter 1 Christ’s Godhead never forsook Him in His Passion.
Chapter 2 Christ’s death was voluntary on His part, and yet in saving others He could not save Himself.
Chapter 3 A transition was then being effected from the Old to the New Dispensation.
Chapter 4 Let us profit by fasting and good works at this sacred season of the year.
Sermon LXXI On the Lord’s Resurrection, I.; delivered on Holy Saturday in the Vigil of Easter. c.1–6
Chapter 1 We must all be partakers in Christ’s resurrection life.
Chapter 2 God did not leave His soul in hell, nor suffer His flesh to see corruption.
Chapter 3 Christ’s manifestation after the Resurrection showed that His Person was essentially the same as before.
Chapter 4 But though it is the same, it is also glorified.
Chapter 5 Being saved by hope, we must not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.
Chapter 6 Our godly resolutions must continue all the year round, not be confined to Easter only.
Sermon LXXII On the Lord’s Resurrection, II. c.1–7
Chapter 1 The Cross is not only the mystery of salvation, but an example to follow.
Chapter 2 Christ took our nature upon Him for our salvation.
Chapter 3 The presence of the risen and ascended Lord is still with us.
Chapter 4 We must have the same mind as was in Christ Jesus.
Chapter 5 Only he who holds the truth on the Incarnation can keep Easter properly.
Chapter 6 A mystical application of the term “Passover” is given.
Chapter 7 Only true believers can keep the Easter Festival.
Sermon LXXIII On the Lord’s Ascension, I. c.1–4
Chapter 1 The events recorded as happening after the Resurrection were intended to convince us of its truth.
Chapter 2 And therefore they are in the highest degree instructive.
Chapter 3 They prove the Resurrection of the flesh.
Chapter 4 Christ’s ascension has given us greater privileges and joys than the devil had taken from us.
Sermon LXXIV On the Lord’s Ascension, II. c.1–5
Chapter 1 The Ascension completes our faith in Him, who was God as well as man.
Chapter 2 The Ascension renders our faith more excellent and stronger.
Chapter 3 The marvellous effects of this faith on all.
Chapter 4 His Ascension refines our Faith: the ministering of angels to Him shows the extent of His authority.
Chapter 5 We must despise earthly things and rise to things above, especially by active works of mercy and love.
Sermon LXXV On Whitsuntide, I. c.1–5
Chapter 1 The giving of the Law by Moses prepared the way for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost.
Chapter 2 How marvellous was the gift of “divers tongues.”
Chapter 3 The three Persons in the Trinity are perfectly equal in all things.
Chapter 4 The Macedonian heresy is as blasphemous as the Arian.
Chapter 5 The Spirit’s work is still continued in the Church.
Sermon LXXVII On Whitsuntide, III. c.1–6
Chapter 1 The Holy Ghost’s work did not begin at Pentecost, but was continued because the Holy Trinity is One in action and in will.
Chapter 2 Each Person in the Trinity took part in our Redemption.
Chapter 3 But this apportionment of functions does not mar the Unity of the Trinity.
Chapter 4 In thinking upon God, we must put aside all material notions.
Chapter 5 Christ as Man is less than the Father, as God co-equal.
Chapter 6 And this equality which the Son has with the Father, the Holy Ghost also has.
Sermon LXXVIII On the Whitsuntide Fast, I. c.1–4
Chapter 1 Since the Apostles’ day till now self-restraint is the best defence against the Devil’s assaults.
Chapter 2 The tempter is foiled in attacks upon those who have learnt these tactics.
Chapter 3 And so this fast comes very opportunely after the feast of Whitsuntide.
Chapter 4 And by proper use of it we shall win God’s favour.
Sermon LXXXII On the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29). c.1–7
Chapter 1 Rome owes its high position to these Apostles.
Chapter 2 The extension of the Roman empire was part of the Divine scheme.
Chapter 3 On the dispersing of the Twelve, St. Peter was sent to Rome.
Chapter 4 St. Peter’s love conquered his fears in coming to Rome.
Chapter 5 S. Peter was providentially prepared for his great mission.
Chapter 6 Many noble martyrs have sprung from the blood of SS. Peter and Paul.
Chapter 7 No distinction must be drawn between the merits of the two.
Sermon LXXXIV Concerning the Neglect of the Commemoration. c.1–2
Chapter 1 The Churchmen of Rome are in danger of forgetting past judgments and mercies, and becoming ungrateful to God.
Chapter 2 Let them avail themselves betimes of God’s long-suffering and return to Him.
Sermon LXXXV On the Feast of S. Laurence the Martyr (Aug. 10). c.1–4
Chapter 1 The example of the martyrs is most valuable.
Chapter 2 The Saint’s martyrdom described.
Chapter 3 The description of his sufferings continued.
Chapter 4 Laurentius has conquered his persecutor.
Sermon LXXXVIII On the Fast of the Seventh Month, III. c.1–5
Chapter 1 The Fasts, which the ancient prophets proclaimed, are still necessary.
Chapter 2 Public services are of a higher character than private.
Chapter 3 The September fast calls us in this public way to self-amendment.
Chapter 4 Community of goods and of actions is most precious in God’s sight.
Chapter 5 Let us then make the best use possible of the opportunity.
Sermon XC On the Fast of Seventh Month, V. c.1–4
Chapter 1 We must always be seeking pardon, because we are always liable to sin.
Chapter 2 Christ is Himself the Way, which He bids us tread.
Chapter 3 The love of God contrasted with the love of the world.
Chapter 4 The love of God is fostered by good works.
Sermon XCI On the Fast of the Seventh Month, VI. c.1–3
Chapter 1 Abstinence must include discipline of the soul as well as of the body.
Chapter 2 And in particular we must abstain from heresy, and that of Eutyches as well as that of Nestorius.
Chapter 3 The truth of the incarnation is proved both by the Eucharistic Feast and by the Divine institution of almsgiving.
Sermon XCV A Homily on the Beatitudes, St. Matt. v. 1–9 c.1–9
Chapter 1 Introduction of the subject.
Chapter 2 The blessedness of humility discussed.
Chapter 3 Scriptural examples of humility.
Chapter 4 The blessedness of mourning discussed.
Chapter 5 The blessedness of the meek.
Chapter 6 The blessedness of desiring righteousness.
Chapter 7 The blessedness of the merciful.
Chapter 8 The blessedness of a pure heart.
Chapter 9 The blessedness of peace-making.