647 chapter 21: the restoration of the mystical temple Emphasizing this, the Apostle said: “When we were still weak, at the appointed time Christ died for the wicked. For hardly anybody dies for a just person, although someone might perhaps dare to die for a good man. Furthermore God commends His Charity to us: since while we were still sinners Christ died at the appointed time for us; while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son” (Rom 5:10). Weigh out each of the points, as you read it, and imitate what is said there as far as this is allowed for man. Who would give his debtor the money, with which he may repay the debt contracted? Who, that his enemy may not die, is willing to die for his sake? The Son of God did this for us, our Creator and Savior. Shall we then, out of love for Him, not give pardon to those who ask for it? Shall we not show favor to our enemies? It was St. Ubald, Bishop of Gubbio, who showed this favor after being humiliated by a despicable man to the bottom of his heels; thus, intending to avenge this contempt, he inflicted a great wound on his enemy — a kiss.189 Our Savior prompted us to this kind of mercy when He advised, saying: “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Mt 5:23-24). Listen to this, you, who nurture never-ending hatreds and foster continual rancor in your hearts, you are waiting for a chance for vengeance, and meanwhile, in the most Holy Eucharist, with Judas, you give kisses to Christ the Lord. If your trespasses are to be forgiven you, as you are used to forgive your enemies, then your salvation is lost, you have perished. Therefore “love your enemies” as Jesus urges, “that you may be children of your heavenly Father” (in Mt 5:44-45). 189 St. Ubald, the Bishop of Gubbio, (d. 1160). He was consecrated bishop by Pope Honorius II in 1128/29, and “governed the diocese of Gubbio for 31 years.” cf. Del Re, Niccolo, Ubald, Bishop of Gubbio: BS XII, 733. The event indicated here by the author is confirmed in the following text: “He distinguished himself by an admirable gentleness and patience. When a certain mason was found guilty of violating the Bishop’s property, Ubald not only forgave him but also gave him publically a kiss of peace;” Cf. Blachut, Augustyn, Ubald, Saint, Bishop: EKośc XXIX, 381.
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