from 2018 translation (#75 of Ancient Christian
Writers series, Newman Press, New Jersey)
Sermons & Tractates on Matthew
edited/transl. by Thomas P. Scheck
pages 159 - 63
"But already the ax is laid at the roots
of the trees. Every tree that does not
produce good fruit will be cut down and
cast into the fire" [Matthew 3:10]"
Doubtless this ax signifies the power of
the divine words, for the Lord says through
Jeremiah the prophet, Are not my words like
fire, says the Lord, and like an ax that
cuts rocks? [Jeremiah 23:29].
Therefore this ax that has been laid at the
very roots of interior faith, in this forest of
the human race, always threatens with the
severity of divine judgment. By its unfruitful
trees, that is, barren people, bearing no fruit
of fecund faith, it will be cut down and
consigned to perpetual fire (Gospel John
15:6). It is likewise confirmed by a testimony
of Ezekiel that this ax represents the power
of divine judgment. For angels are appointed
by the Lord to take up axes and lay waste to
unbelievers. For it is written And each shall
have axes in their hands [Ezekiel 9:1].
And it is said to them, "Go, run about and
strike, and do not spare them, from the
greater to the lesser. But do not touch anyone
on whom you find my sign, and begin with
my very holy ones [Ezekiel 9:5 - 6]. And so,
unbelievers are indeed cut down with a gospel
ax of this sort, but believers are purged, so
that they may be able to bring forth better
fruit (Gospel John 15:2). . .
6. Whence it is not unbefitting that it follow
He has his winnowing shovel in his hand
and will purge his threshing floor. He will
store up the wheat in barns, but the chaff
he will burn with unquenchable fire (Gospel
Matthew 3:12). . .
He who is a judge of fairness and justice hands
sinners over to the unquenchable fire to be burned
like chaff. To him is the praise and glory in
the ages of ages. Amen [I Peter 4:11].
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