Annotation CCCXXII

”Use a little wine.” — 1 Timothy 5:23

The punishment of blasphemers.

Chrysostom, [in] the first homily to the people of Antioch, when, after the exposition of this passage, he had diverted to a discourse on blasphemy, brought forth, among other [things], this petition against blasphemers: “BUT after words have been made by us concerning blasphemy, I wish to ask one retribution [recompense] from you all for this assembly and sermon: that you chastise for me those who blaspheme in the city; and if you hear anyone at the crossroads and in the marketplace blaspheming God, approach, rebuke [him]; and if it be needful to inflict blows, refuse not: strike his face with the palm, bruise his mouth, sanctify thy hand by the striking. And if any accuse [thee], and if they drag [thee] to prison” — there follows — “and if the judge demand penalties before the tribunal, say with freedom [boldness], that he blasphemed the king of the angels. For if it behooves that one blaspheming an earthly king be punished, much more [must one punish] him who afflicts that [heavenly king] with contumely.”

THERE ARE [some] to whom this petition of Chrysostom seems harsh, and little worthy of the modesty of an evangelical doctor. But they excuse [it], because a burning zeal of the divine honor, and a most keen hatred of blasphemy, compelled the man of God — flagrant [ablaze] with charity — to exceed the mark, and, according to the old proverb, to ask much, that he might at least obtain a little, and sometimes to demand unjust [things], that he might receive just [things].