XXI. De aere et virtutibus.
XXI. De aere et virtutibus.
The air, having sharp powers, signifies faith, which is the banner of victory; for just as the flame of fire shines, so faith shows the right way and waters the dew of hope with which it nourishes the minds of the faithful, as they sigh for heavenly things, possessing the greenness of perfect love within themselves, as they strive to benefit everyone everywhere. Therefore, through the breath of penitent sorrow, they express a lament in prayer, just as a gentle breeze brings forth flowers from the earth; so too, in the warmth of heavenly desire, they produce the best fruit, like food for life, for their own benefit and for the benefit of many others.
Read the original Latin
Aer autem, acutas vires habens, fidem significat, quae vexillum victoriae est; quia ut flamma ignis lucet, sic fides rectam viam ostendit, et rorem spei cum quo mentes fidelium irrigat, cum illi ad coelestia suspirant, viriditatem perfectae charitatis in se habentes, cum omnibus ubique prodesse festinant.
Unde etiam per flatum poenitentiae lacrimabilem querimoniam in oratione proferunt, quemadmodum suavis flatus aeris flores educit, ita in calore coelestis desiderii optimum fructum, velut cibum vitae, ad utilitatem suam et aliorum plurimorum operantes.
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