the crucified orator 698 North possesses all the same attributes as the gate to the East. For all who have persevered in innocence since birth have the gate to the East. For the light, which they received, has enabled them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. But all, who have fallen later into sin, were rendered numb with cold. If, however, they return through penance, they have the gate to the North, because to them also, after the numbness of sin, the entrance to the Kingdom is opened by means of mercy.”24 For a better understanding it must be known that among the Sacraments of the Church there are two that are the keys with which we open Heaven for ourselves: namely, Baptism and Penance. The sacred Council of Trent indeed teaches that in Baptism, “men are thus made innocent, immaculate, pure, free from sin, and acceptable to God… so that nothing might delay them from entering heaven directly.”25 For it is the promise of Eternal Truth that “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16).26 On the other hand, Penance burns away and purifies the sins committed by those who have fallen after Baptism, so that — being restored to their original splendor — they are found worthy of Heaven. Accordingly, this is called Baptism in both Sacred Scripture as well as in the words of the holy Fathers, because just as Baptism opens Heaven for those reborn by water, so does Penance [open Heaven] for those brought back to life by grace. Consequently, the Eastern gate of Heaven lay open to the just and the pure, and likewise the gate to the North lay open to the contrite and repentant sinners. Therefore, the gates are seen by Ezekiel to be similar in every respect, in order that we might acknowledge that sinners — if they perform serious penance — are equally filled with the gifts of heavenly glory, as those who have not marred with any crime their original innocence. O sinners! Take hold of this blessed key of Penance, lest only the innocent enjoy Heaven. Baptism opens Heaven to them; for 24 The source of this text was not able to be found in the writings of Radulfus. 25 Cf. Concilium Tridentinum, Venetiis 1570 (Sessio Quinta, Decretum de peccato originali), p. 19. 26 Council of Trent (1454-1563), Session V, Decree on Original Sin.
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