Letter 5047: Gregory to Mastalo [a layman in Visigothic Spain].

Gregory to Mastalo [a layman in Visigothic Spain]. From the report of our representatives [*responsales*, papal agents], we have learned that so great a fire of divine zeal for the love of Church unity has kindled in you that you do not cease to call back to the bosom of Mother Church whomever you can, and that, as a good and faithful servant, you do not stop striving with the utmost concentration of mind to make a daily profit from the gift you have received for our Lord and Redeemer. Indeed, when you came to us, we learned what we could from seeing you in person; but the good that lay hidden in the love of your heart through divine inspiration, we now recognize more fully through the testimony of your deeds. Therefore, giving thanks to divine mercy with unspeakable praise, we encourage your devotion and strengthen you with whatever exhortations we can, so that — just as the punishment of the one who hid the talent he received disturbs you — so too may the Lord's invitation to those who made a profit, and who therefore rejoice in obtaining the heavenly kingdom, strengthen you to pursue that same reward with eager desire. For you should know, dearest son, that the fruit of this endeavor you have undertaken will not lack its reward. And therefore no opposition from those who hinder you — even if it exists — should trouble you, because the greater the difficulty of the cause from which good is accomplished with the Lord's help, the more glorious will be your hope of reward. For the most excellent victory is that which is won from a seemingly hopeless situation through the sweat of tremendous labor. We have also learned that our son Theodosius [likely a local nobleman], your follower and fellow worker in this good endeavor, keeps diligent watch alongside you in the effort to win souls. We are confident that almighty God, through the intercession of blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, will swiftly be his rewarder.

AD MASTALONEN. Ipsius pro Ecclesie unitale zelum laudat, A procuran- da s8chismaticorum reversione 10n delerrealur. | Gregorius Maslaloni. Responsalium nostrorum relatione comperimus quod pro amore unilatis Ecclesiz tantus vos divini zeli ardor accenderit, ut quoscunque valueritis, non desinatis ad sinum matlris . Ecclesizz revocare, alcue, ut bonus lidelisque famulus lucrum quoltidie de a\. Victorino, in Remigiano 700 ann., alio a Rhemensi jam sxpe commemorato, et in unico ex YVaticanis. EersT. XLVI | Al. 94, indict. 2]. — * In Vatic. A, Basilio episcopo, Sed mendose, ut probat titulus ma- guitudinis Basilio datus. Preterea 8auctus Giegorius in line epistol:e meminit filivrum ejus, quod episcopo rarv convenire pulest. - b Vel acquirant, scilicet actus, ut legitur in tribus at. © In jisdem, paterna ros dulcedine. EersT. XL VII. Al. 95, indict. 2. 717 * EPISTOLARUM LIB. V. — INDICT. XI. — EPIST. XLIX. 773 cepto dono tuo, Domino et Redemptori nostro cum A >Þ non prxvidimus consentire. Sed nec Joannen gumma mentis intentione fſacere non desistatis. Et quidem venientem ad nos, ut potuimus, ex corpora» tis visus ostensione didicimus ; bonum vero quod ex divina inspiratione in mentis tuz2 charitate manebat occultum desiderabilins nunc operis atteslatione co- gnoscimus. Unde divine misericordiz gratias ineffa- bili laude reddentes, hortamur dilectionem tuam, alque quibus valemus admonitionibus confortamus, ut quantum 8e acceplum talentum occultantis pena pertu: bat, tantum lucrum facientium, atque per hoc de ccelestis regni perceptione lztantium, dominice yocis invitatio te desiderabiliter appetenda corrobo- ret. Scire te namqne , dilectissime Fili , convenit, quod fructus hajus quem apprehendisti studii retri- butionis $u2 non careat ſine. Et ideo prepedientium te nulla, vel si est, debet contrarietas perturbare, quia quanto ex difficultate causx bonum perfici, Do» mino cooperante, valuerit, lanto tibi erit et gloriosior relributionis 8pes. Excellentior namque nascitur ex desperatione victoria quzecunque fuerit laboris nimii adepta 8udoribus. Cognovimus etiam quod Theodo- S$ius filins no>ter, tui sequax, bonique cooperator stu- dii, pariter tecum in sollicitudine lucrandarum ani- marum solerter invigilet. Cui omnipotentem Deum intercessione beati Petri apostolorum principis relri- butorem citius esse confidimus.