Christus dicit sponse, quod, sicut aquila ab alto custodit filios et succurrit eis in necessitate et periculo, sic ipse suis amicis in necessitatibus corporis et anime. Precipit eciam sponse, quod visitet corpus sancti Andree. Quem laudat Dominus hic, et visitantibus illum promittit misericordiam et graciam.
The Eagle's Protection
Christ uses the imagery of an eagle to describe his watchful care and provision for his bride.
The Son speaks to his bride, saying: "An eagle watches from on high to see who might want to harm its young, and it swoops down to defend them." That is how I provide for you what is most healthy for you. Therefore I say: 'Wait!' And I say again: 'Go!'
The Apostle's Intercession
Christ commands the bride to visit the relics of Saint Andrew, promising grace and mercy through the saint's powerful intercession.
But because the time is now, go to the city of Amalfi to my apostle Andrew. His body was my temple, adorned with every virtue. Therefore, it has become a storehouse for the faithful and a source of help for sinners. Those who come to him with a faithful heart aren't just unburdened of their sins; they'll also abound in eternal consolation. And that's no surprise. For he himself was not ashamed of my cross, but carried it joyfully. That is why I'm not ashamed to hear and accept those for whom he prays, because his will is my will. But once you’ve been with him, return to Naples immediately for my feast day.1
The Creator's Sustenance
In response to the bride's anxiety about aging and infirmity, Christ affirms his role as the provider who moves hearts to care for his friends.
The bride replied: "O Lord, our time is running out, age and infirmity are closing in, and earthly support is fading away." To which the Lord said: "I am the creator of nature, the Lord, and the restorer." I am also a helper, a defender, and a provider in times of need." Just as someone who cares for a horse won't spare their own best meadow so the horse can graze there, so I—who possess all things, need nothing, and see into everyone's mind—will inspire the hearts of those who love me to do good for those who desire me. For I even urge those who don't love me to do good to my friends, so that through the prayers of good people they might become better.
Read the original Latin
Filius loquitur sponse dicens: "Aquila videt ab alto, quis velit nocere pullis suis, et preuenit volatu defendendo eos. Sic ego prouideo vobis salubriora. Ideo dico: 'Expectate!' et iterum dico: 'Ite!'
Sed quia nunc tempus est, ite ad ciuitatem Amalfie ad apostolum meum Andream. Cuius corpus fuit templum meum ornatum omni virtute.
Ideo factum est ibi depositorium fidelium et adiutorium peccatorum. Nam qui fideli mente veniunt ad ipsum, non solum exonerantur peccatis sed et habundabunt consolacione eterna.
Nec mirum. Nam ipse non erubuit crucem meam sed portauit hylariter. Ideo ego non erubesco audire et suscipere eos, pro quibus orat ipse, quia voluntas sua est voluntas mea.
Cum vero fueritis apud eum, redite statim Neapolim ad natale meum."
Respondit sponsa: "O Domine, tempus nostrum transit et etas et infirmitas appropinquant et subsidium temporale minoratur." Cui Dominus: "Ego", inquit, "sum nature conditor, Dominus et reformator. Ego sum eciam in necessitatibus adiutor et defensor et distributor.
Sicut enim, qui habet equum sibi carum, non parcit prato suo eciam delectabili, vt ibi equus pascatur, sic ego, qui omnia habeo nulliusque egeo et omnium mentes inspicio, inspirabo cordibus diligencium me, vt benefaciant desiderantibus me. Nam eciam non diligentes me ammoneo, vt benefaciant amicis meis, quatenus bonorum oracionibus meliores fiant."
Notes
- 1 ↩The term 'natale' in this context refers to a feast day, specifically the anniversary of a saint's death (the 'birthday' into heaven), which is the standard ecclesiastical usage.
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