Page:Ninety-nine homilies of S. Thomas Aquinas upon the epistles and gospels for forty-nine Sundays of the Christian year (IA ninetyninehomili00thom).pdf/109

 things.” Thirdly, the eternal happiness of the just: “now he is comforted.” Fourthly, the perpetual calamity of the wicked : “ thou art tormented.”

I. On the first head it is to be noted, that temporal prosperity consists in three things, which this rich man had. (1) In temporal riches—“There was a certain rich man.” Psa. xlix. 6, “ They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves of the multitude of their riches.” (2) In worldly honours—he “ was clothed in purple and fine linen,” &c. S. James iv. 16, “Ye rejoice in your boastings.” (3) In carnal pleasures—“ And fared sumptuously every day.” Job xxi. 13, “ They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.” Amos vi. 4, “ Eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall.”

II. On the second head it is to be noted, that the adversity of the saints in this present life consists in the three things which belonged to Lazarus. (1) In poverty of possessions— “There was a certain beggar.” Tobit iv. 21, “We lead indeed a poor life, but we shall have many good things if we fear God and depart from all sin, and do that which is good.” (2) In the gain of contempt—“ Was laid at his gate.” 1 Cor. iv. 3, “We are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.” (3) In the bitterness of tribulations and afflictions—“Full of sores.” Judith viii. 23, Vulg., “All that have pleased God passed through many tribulations.”

III. On the third head it is to be noted, in what things the happiness of the saints consists in another state of being. (1) In glory and honour—“Was carried by the angels.” S. August., “A crowd of slaves proclaims the illustrious funeral rites of this rich man in purple; but how much more illustrious in the sight of God was the ministry of angels which was furnished to that poor man full of sores, who did not bear him to a marble tomb, but to the bosom of Abraham.” Psa. xxi. 5, “ His glory is great in Thy salvation.” (2) In the possession of the heavenly kingdom— “ Into Abraham’s bosom,” by which is understood the rest of Paradise. S. Matt. v. 3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.” (3) In the fruition of eternal delights and consolations—Psa. xvi. 10, “At Thy right hand, there are pleasures for evermore.” Psa. xxxi.