Didascalia Apostolorum

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IOO DIDASCALIA. f. 64 b upon Him who gave them life, and delivered Him over to death. Therefore He appointed to them beforehand the mourning of their per- dition. Let us look and see, my brethren, that most men in their mourning imitate the Sabbath ; thus also those who keep the Sabbath sit in mourning ; for he who is in mourning does not kindle a light, nor do the people Jof the Jews1 on account of the commandment of Moses (S. + for thus they were commanded by him. He who is in mourning does not wash himself, nor do the people on the Sabbath. He who is in mourning does not furnish a table, nor do the people on the Sabbath), but they prepare it in the evening and put in order for them- selves something to eat, because they have a consciousness of mourning that they were ready to lay hands on the Christ. He who is in mourning does not work nor speak, but sits in sadness ; thus also do the people on the Sabbath ; (S. + for it was said thus to the people about the mourning of the Sabbath) " Thou shalt not lift thy foot to do any work, nor speak any word from thy mouth." Who is it therefore that testifieth that the Sabbath is a mourning to them ? The Scripture testifieth and saith, Of. Zech. " Then the people shall lament, tribe by tribe ; the tribe of the Levites apart, and their wives apart ; the tribe of Judah apart, and their wives apart." As also after the mourning of the Christ even until now, on the ninth of the month of Ab, they read in -the Lamentations of Jeremiah, and assemble, and wail and lament. But the ninth is called ®, for the © indicates God ; therefore they lament about God, about the Christ who suffered ; but nevertheless on account of the Christ our Saviour, and about themselves and their perdition. Why, my brethren, doth a man lament, unless he be in mourning? Wherefore mourn ye also for them, on the Sabbath day of the Passover, until the third hour of the following evening ; and thereafter rejoice in His resurrection ; be glad and rejoice on their account ; cease your fast, and the remainder of f. 65 a your fast of six days offer to the Lord God. Let those who abound in worldly goods serve those who are poor and in want, and succour them diligently, that the reward of your fast may be received. When- ever the fourteenth day of the Passover may fall, thus observe it ; for neither the month nor the day corresponds in time every year, but it varies. Therefore ye, when the people keep the Passover, fast" and study to complete your vigil in the midst of their unleavened bread. On Sunday be always glad, for every one who afflicts his soul on 1 S. on the Sabbath.