Homilies on Leviticus, Homilia III
Sins of ignorance still need sacrifice§1
1These sacrifices cover ignorance and unwilling fault. Even the high priest offers for his ignorance. The law is merciful — yet not-knowing is not absolute innocence.
Latin · §1
De sacrificiis pro ignorantia et non voluntate. Pontifex etiam pro ignorantia sua offert. Lex misericors: nescientia non est innocentia absoluta.
Hearing an oath and keeping silence§2
2If a soul hears an oath and is a witness yet does not speak, she bears sin. Silence of those who know is guilt. Truth belongs in the church’s mouth.
Latin · §2
Si anima audierit vocem iuramenti et testis sit et non renuntiaverit, accipiet peccatum. Silentium consciorum reatus est. Veritas in ore ecclesiae.
Touching what is unclean§3
3Whoever touches a carcass or what a beast has taken is unclean. Dead habits bring uncleanness. Learn to separate holy from unclean.
Latin · §3
Anima quae tetigerit morticinum aut a fera captum immunda est. Conversatio mortua immunditiam affert. Separare sanctum ab immundo.
Thoughtless speech of the lips§4
4If someone swears rashly to do evil or good and hides it, he has failed Leviticus 5:4. A reckless word becomes a bond. Let your speech be Yes, yes; No, no.
Latin · §4
Si iuraverit quis ut male faciat vel bene et absconderit, deliquit. Verbum temerarium vinculum fit. Sit sermo vester est est, non non.
Confession and the female lamb§5
5He shall confess the sin and bring a female from the flock. Confession goes before the gift. Christ is the Lamb; the penitent soul is the sheep.
Latin · §5
Confitebitur peccatum; offeret feminam de grege. Confessio praecedit munus. Christus agnus; anima paenitens ovis.
If he cannot afford a lamb§6
6If his hand cannot reach a sheep, he brings two turtledoves. God tempers burdens. He does not despise the poor’s gifts.
Latin · §6
Si non attingit manus eius ad ovem, duos turtures. Deus onera temperat. Pauperum munera non spernit.
A tenth of an ephah of flour§7
7If not even birds, then fine flour without oil or frankincense, for it is a sin offering. Mourning, not festival. The harsh bread of penitence.
Latin · §7
Si nec aves, similago absque oleo et ture — quia sacrificium peccati est. Luctus non festum. Panis asper paenitentiae.
Restitution with a fifth — Homilia III CLOSEOUT§8
8If he sins regarding the Lord’s holy things, he adds a fifth. Restitution with increase. Grace does not feed fraud. Homilia III CLOSEOUT. Amen.
Latin · §8
Si peccaverit in sanctis Domini, addet quintam partem. Restitutio cum incremento. Gratia non fraudem nutrit. Amen.