De Labe Maculisque (Epigr. XXII)
The Grace of Imperfection
The author questions the obsession with minor flaws, reminding the reader that Christ's blood is the remedy for the stains of our earthly pilgrimage.
You point out our little flaws and stains: why? Is this really a surprise? We are travelers. What is the blood of Christ for, if not to wash away the stains that the mud of the body scatters so close to the soul?
The Astronomer's Fall
Using the parable of the astronomer who fell into a ditch while studying the moon, the author warns against hypocritical judgment of the Church.
You, then, be pure! Oh, what a fitting name the crowd uses to adorn you! But listen for a moment: as the story goes, an astronomer was once so busy staring at the spots on the moon that he fell into a ditch, and in his ignorance, he ended up covered in the very mud he was studying. The Church is my moon; go on with your story.
Read the original Latin
Labeculas maculasque, nobis objicis: Quid? hoccine est mirum? Viatores sumus. Quo sanguis est Christi, nisi ut maculas lavet, Quas spargit animae corporis propius lutum? Vos ergo puri! o nomen appositissimum Quo vulgus ornat vos! At audias parum; Astronomus olim, ut fama, dum maculas diu, Quas luna habet, tuetur, in foveam cadit, Totusque caenum Cynthiae ignoscit notis. Ecclesia est mihi luna; perge in fabula.
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