Homilies on the Statues

^1. I joy, and rejoice with you all, that you have actually put in practice that admonition of ours, which we lately made with respect to those who were absent, for the reason that they were not fasting. For I think that many of those who have dined are today present; and go to fill up this goodly assemblage; and that this is the fact, I conjecture from the more brilliant spectacle that I see around me, and the greater concourse of hearers. Not in vain, it seems, did I lately spend so many words on their account, appealing to your Charity, to draw them to their Mother; and to persuade them that it is lawful, even after bodily nourishment, to partake also of that which is spiritual. And in which case, beloved, I ask, did ye act for the better; at the time of the last assembly when after your meal ye turned to your slumbers; or now, when after the meal you have presented yourselves at the hearing of the divine laws? Was it best when you loitered about in the forum, and took part in meetings which were no wise profitable; or now, when you stand with your own brethren, and hear the prophetic oracles? It is no disgrace, beloved, to have eaten, but after eating to remain at home, and so to be deprived of this sacred banquet. For while you remain at home, you will be more slothful and supine; but coming here you will shake off all slumber and listlessness; and laying aside not only listlessness, but also all sadness, you will be more at ease, and in better heart in all the events that may happen.