¹ To enlighten the human race, dearest brothers, our Lord has kindled many spiritual lamps in this world. Through these holy men, with their heavenly faith and teaching shining forth, the darkness of error would envelop no one who desired to see the light of truth.

² And what are these lamps that our Lord has granted to dispel and illuminate the gloom of unbelief? First, the patriarchs; then, the prophets; afterward, the apostles; and finally, all the priests of the Church throughout the world. Among them, divine mercy granted to this city the splendid and exceptional lamp of the holy and blessed memory of Lord Honoratus. By divine grace, he was lifted up like a lamp upon the candelabrum of this Church so that he might shine for all.

³ Though he illuminated this city with the particular brilliance of his works, the radiance of his merits reached far and wide, spreading even to distant places by the renown of his name. As we recall his unwavering faith in good works, his wondrous austerity in despising the world, and his singular charity in mercy, we confidently believe that, even without enduring the literal suffering of martyrdom, he nevertheless fulfilled it through the martyrdom of his spirit.

⁴ For martyrdom is not accomplished by the shedding of blood alone, nor is the palm of victory granted only by the scorching of flames. One can attain the crown not only through death but also through the contempt of the body. With all due respect to the saints who perished in times of persecution, it is fitting to say: to subdue the flesh, to overcome lust, to resist greed, and to triumph over the world—this, too, is a great part of martyrdom.

⁵ Therefore, dearest brothers, if we desire to share in the fellowship of the saints or the clergy, let us reflect on imitating the martyrs. We must embody some of their virtues so that they may be moved to intercede for us before the Lord. For if we are unable to endure the physical torments that the holy martyrs suffered, let us at least, with their intercession, strive against evil desires. And since we commit sins daily, let us not lack daily remedies.

⁶ Let no one believe that they possess any true happiness or genuine joy in this world. Beatitude can be prepared for here, but it cannot be possessed here. Two times follow one another in their proper order: a time for weeping and a time for rejoicing. Do not deceive yourselves, brothers—this world is not the time for rejoicing. I know, brothers, that every person desires to be glad, but they seek joy where it cannot be found. True joy has never existed in this world, nor does it exist now, nor will it ever.

⁷ For thus the Lord warned His disciples in the Gospel, saying: “In this world, you will have tribulation”, and again: “The world will rejoice, but you will be sorrowful. Yet your sorrow will be turned into joy”. Therefore, in this life, with labour and sorrow, let us do what is good with the Lord’s help, so that in the world to come, we may gather the fruits of our good works with joy and exultation, according to the Scripture: “Those who sow in tears will reap with joy”.

⁸ In this world, therefore, dearest brothers, on account of the sin of the first man, we have been cast out from the blessed dwelling of paradise and sent into a kind of exile. Thus, in this present age, we have no homeland, as the Apostle also says: “While we are in this body, we are away from the Lord”.

⁹ Let us not, then, seek joy in this world, for—as was said above—true joy can be gained here, but it cannot be possessed here. Do not seek along the way what is reserved for you in your homeland. And since it is necessary for you to fight daily against the devil, with Christ as your leader, do not expect the reward in the battle that is reserved for you in the kingdom. Do not seek in the struggle what is kept for you when victory is fully achieved. Rather, pay attention to what the Apostle says: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution”, and again: “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God”.

¹⁰ Therefore, with God’s help, we must act in such a way that we may be found worthy to reach our true homeland in happiness. There, our forebears—the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles—desire to welcome and see us. There also, our fellow citizens, the angels, and that heavenly city, the new Jerusalem, await us. The King of that city, Christ, stretches out the arms of His love to receive us. Let us hasten to them, with the devil cast down and our lives full of good works.

¹¹ For you know, brothers, that all merchants and travelers on the road are anxious, so that they may be safe and secure once they reach their homeland. They have true joy when they deserve to arrive with great profit. In the same way, dearest brothers, let us prepare our souls for joy only when we have been found worthy to reach Christ.

¹² In the meantime, let us rejoice in hope, knowing that we will have true joy in reality later. What is worse, however, is that many, in a twisted order, believe they find joy in the pleasures, delights, and luxury of this world. But what they seem to sow in joy, they will be forced to reap in tears and sorrow, for He who does not lie said in the Gospel: “Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep”.

¹³ Thus it was for that wretched man who was clothed in purple and fine linen: he had joy in this world but deserved to find the flames of hell. Meanwhile, Lazarus, who lay at his gate, endured sorrow on the journey but received true joy in his homeland. Therefore, dearest brothers, as much as we can, let us humbly implore God’s mercy, asking that He may deign to inspire in us such a love for eternal life that we desire to love our homeland more than the road, and think more about the future than this present world.

¹⁴ Thus, may we strive always to live as exiles in this world, so that we may arrive at the coming judgment with a free and secure conscience, adorned with good works, through the grace of our Lord, to whom belong honour and dominion forever and ever. Amen.