Homilies on Leviticus, Homilia IX
Moses received as prophet of future mysteries§1
1We receive Moses as prophet; he wrote future figures. Who holds the letter alone does not know the prophet.
Latin · §1
Nos Moysen prophetam recipimus; figuras futuras conscripsit. Qui litteram solam tenet, prophetam non agnoscit.
Why sacrifices after the golden calf§2
2After the golden calf sacrifices multiplied — medicine for pride. The law is a pedagogue unto Christ.
Latin · §2
Post vitulum aureum sacrificia multiplicata — medicina superbiae. Lex paedagogus ad Christum.
Two goats — lots for the Lord and for dismissal§3
3Two goats: one lot for the Lord, one for Azazel. One is slain, one sent away. Both are Christ’s mystery.
Latin · §3
Duos hircos; sors Domino et sors emissario. Alter immolatur, alter dimittitur. Utrumque mysterium Christi.
The prepared and clean man who leads the goat§4
4A prepared, clean man leads the goat into the desert. Apostolic ministry. Cleanness fits the mystery.
Latin · §4
Homo paratus et mundus ducit hircum in desertum. Apostolorum ministerium. Munditia ad mysterium.
Another reading of the ready man§5
5Read another way: the cleansed catechumen leads his sins far off. Baptism dismisses them into the desert.
Latin · §5
Potest et aliter: catechumenus mundatus ducit peccata sua longe. Baptismus dimittit in eremum.
Do not take the lot as blind chance§6
6The lot is not blind fortune but God’s providence. Apostolic lots. The Lord arranges our steps.
Latin · §6
Sors non fortuna caeca; providentia Dei. Sortes apostolicae. Dominus disponit.
What the high priest does next§7
7The high priest takes blood and enters within the veil. Christ alone enters the true holy places.
Latin · §7
Pontifex sumit de sanguine et infert intra velamen. Solus Christus intrat vera sancta.
Censer full of coals§8
8A censer full of coals — burning prayer. Incense on the fire. Prayer ascends.
Latin · §8
Batillum plenum carbonibus — oratio ardens. Incensum super ignem. Oratio ascendit.
Cloud of incense covering the mercy seat§9
9Let the cloud of incense cover the mercy seat. Glory is hidden. Fear to approach naked.
Latin · §9
Nubes thymiamatis operiat propitiatorium. Gloria abscondita. Timete accedere nudi.
Incense on the fire before the Lord§10
10He places incense on the fire before the Lord. Fire tests. Keep prayer pure.
Latin · §10
Imponet incensum super ignem coram Domino. Ignis examinat. Oratio pura.
No man in the tent when he enters — Homilia IX CLOSEOUT§11
11No one shall be in the tent when the high priest enters. One mediator alone. Homilia IX CLOSEOUT. Amen.
Latin · §11
Non erit homo in tabernaculo cum intrat pontifex. Solus mediator. Amen.