Commentary on Jeremiah

Pacian of Barcelona (d. 391)

In fact, with us is "the living water," the very water that gushes from Christ. But you, separated from the everlasting fountain, from where do you receive your birth? And likewise had the Holy Spirit not departed from the original mother; from which did it come to you? Of course, perhaps the Spirit has followed one who engages in strife and, having abandoned so many priests and not content with its consecrated dwelling place, has truly loved the broken cistern of an impure fountain? From where do your people possess the Spirit, those whom an anointed priest has not sealed? From where do they possess the water, those who have withdrawn from their mother's womb? From where do they possess spiritual renewal, those who have lost the cradle of nuptial peace?

Did not confession deliver the king of the Babylonians when he had been condemned after so many sins of idolatry? And what is it that the Lord says? "Shall he who has fallen not arise, and shall he who has turned away not return?"

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• More works by Pacian of Barcelona

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