The Paradox of Welcoming the Executioner

Just as Thomas went to the Indians, Peter to the Romans, John to the Asiatics, and Paul declared he had preached from Jerusalem and as far as Illyricum, so each herald carried the message to their own people, proclaiming Christ and the mysteries that came from him and were accomplished through him.

But the Jews, burning with zeal and anger and being pierced, could no longer endure the widespread testimony of Longinus, which had already spread through the land in many ways.

Therefore they persuaded Pilate to write falsely to Caesar about the blessed Longinus, claiming that he held alien thoughts toward the Roman Empire, had abandoned his weapons, and was proclaiming Christ as king to the nations.

By these very words, he had already filled his own homeland and country with such teachings.

Moreover, they sent along these letters money and accused Longinus of a capital offense, having seized the attention of Caesar himself, for his sake.

Imperial letters were then sent into Judea to Pilate, bearing instructions according to Longinus and those associated with him.

These orders directed that those who had neglected their weapons should take up swords and behead their targets.

Pilate, with great zeal, entrusted the execution of these Caesar’s letters to the officers overseeing the murders.

They swiftly crossed the land of the Cappadocians, arrived, and learned that in a paternal field Longinus was philosophizing and practicing quietness, having withdrawn from all political affairs.

Quietly they seized his field, intending to carry out the decree of Pilate and of Caesar, so that Longinus would not be driven into flight.

Thus they suddenly stood against the man, as if they had crossed some other threshold, and none of those with them dared to lay a hand on anything.

Then entering and happening upon Longinus, not knowing that he is the one sought by them and by Pilate, they begin to ask where Longinus is.

But he, the divine Spirit having foreshadowed the drama for him, says: 'Follow me,' and I point him out to you.

Then the blessed one, as is fitting, rejoicing and eager for the martyr’s sacrifice, said: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim peace, of those who proclaim good things (Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15).'

Now I will see the heavens opened, now I will recount the glory of the Father, now I will behold the ineffable flash of the Spirit.

Now I will say, 'Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit (Psalm 31:5, Luke 23:46)', as Stephen the first of the martyrs, whose most radiant voice I have heard.

Now Jerusalem, the heavenly golden tower, the same indeed the homeland of the angels, and indeed the metropolis of the whole choir of the holy, with rattles, triumphs, and royal trophies, I will ascend.

Now I put off the clay tunic and the many-groaning bonds of the flesh, I lay aside and free myself from corruption.

For I am drawn to incorruption, having a life free of winter’s storm going out from the temporary life, of which many are the waves and grievous the shipwrecks.

A solitary haven is that immortal life, wherein the saints dwell.

Be glad, O soul, turn toward your Maker as you depart; show a joyful countenance at the time when the face is called beautiful.

Let us kindly entertain those who bring us such great blessings, rejoicing as we do so, and let us set forth a richly laden table for those who summon us to the royal dinner.

Having spoken these words to himself, Longinus welcomed those who had come to him into his own house.

He entertained them splendidly, with a cheerful face and exceeding joy, and having eaten together with them at the table he had prepared, he began to ask them after the meal what they needed.

But they, having exacted oaths from him that he would not make public what concerned them nor reveal the bold mystery, then declared the writings sent against Pilate from Caesar, and said that Longinus, together with two others, had met and severed the head.

And Longinus, inquiring who these were that were with him at the same time, came to know that they were indeed the ones who had hired the Jewish servant and had preferred the Christ, and so he wrote to them with great earnestness, urging them to come quickly to him to share in great blessings.

Longinus entertained them for one day and then a second; on the third day he took them into a field, where he awaited those who had been sent out from him.

But having learned that he was near, he announced to them, saying, 'I myself am Longinus, the one you have been seeking.'

But they at first did not believe him; yet after this they were persuaded and wept, pulling out their own hairs and speaking with mournful voices toward Longinus.

What was your undertaking, my friend, that seemed good?

What was your purpose in bringing violence upon those who came to you, leading to slaughter in your own house?

Why did you prepare a feast for those who came intending your slaughter and remained to carry it out?