635 chapter 19: the consecration of the mystical temple They too have a great name, who make great [things] out of little [ones], rather than little [things] out of great [ones]. In this way you will make the bell of the Temple of God ring clearly. CHAPTER 19 The Consecration of the Mystical Temple The Consecration of the Mystical Temple may be twofold, just as is the case with material temples. The first is the one that the Holy Spirit performed in us by the ministry of a priest through the saving Sacrament of Baptism, when He consecrated us to Himself. In a sermon on this consecration, Pope Leo, that most eloquent and devout man, speaks to each of us in this way: “through the Sacrament of Baptism you have been made a Temple of the Holy Spirit. Be unwilling to drive so great an occupant out of yourself by means of vicious actions, and to submit yourself again to the slavery of the devil: for the price paid for you is the blood of Christ; because He will judge you in truth, who has mercifully redeemed you.”159 The other is the one by which, observing the annual memory of that first Consecration, we give God true thanks for our sanctification and celebrate our most joyous feast of consecration in a spirit of gratitude by renewing our fervor to serve God. Ah! Who are those who observe this most holy custom that is truly proper to each Christian, of devoutly recalling that day on which they were born both for the world and for Heaven? Namely, so that they may purify their soul by confession, may receive Holy Communion, and by whatever possible means and diligence they may show themselves most grateful to God for their holy regeneration. Among the many stories, even written by those who have recounted the deeds of devout men, I confess that I have found only one example, and that a recent one, of this annual con159 Leo the Great, On the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Ch. III: Sermons, Sermon XXI [or XX]: PL 54(I), 193, n. 66.
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