Jacob of Serugh, Homily extracts, tr. R.H.Connolly. The Downside Review 27 (1908) 278-87A HOMILY of MAR JACOB of SERÛGH ON THE RECEPTION OF THE HOLY MYSTERIESJavoc, the 'gentle and studious' Bishop of Batnan, chief city of Serûgh, a district which lay a little to the east ofthe river Euphrates, and south-west of Edessa, was born at the village of Kurtam on the Euphrates in the year451. He was for many years periodeutes or visitor of his district and was made bishop only late in life. He diedon November 29, 5211. He was a Miaphysite; but he seldom alludes to the great controversy of his day. So littleare his writings tainted with the heresy of Eutyches that, like those of his Nestorian contemporary Narsai, manyof them are today published without retouching for the use of the Catholic Syrians. Of the remains of hisnumerous metrical Homilies, all written in the 12-syllable verse, 145 have been published in 4 volumes by PaulBedjan. The following discourse comes from vol. x (published 1907) 646ff. A few passages, which add nothingto the interest of the poem, have been omitted for the sake of economizing space. A short passage from anotherhomily is quoted at the end as illustrating Jacob's views on the doctrine of the Real Presence.Come, ye discerning, let us delight today in the teaching the taste whereof is sweeter than honey and thehoneycomb (648). The Church in the world is a great harbour, full of peace; whoso toileth, let him come in andrest at her table (649). Her doors are open and her eye is good and her heart is wide. Her table is full and sweetis her mingled (cup) to them that are worthy. Ye lovers of the world, come in from wandering in the evil worldand rest in the inn that is full of comfort to him that enters it. Thou weary labourer, that strivest to enrich thyselfby vexatious toilings, why runnest thou after riches that cannot be held fast. Thou rich that goest astray with thyriches, possess God and hate the wealth that after a little while shall not be th...