ACC ~ Mark 16 v17a

THE CHURCH CONTINUES TO EMBODY THESE GIFTS

GREGORY THE GREAT: Is it, my brethren, because we do not have these signs that you do not believe? These were needed at the church’s beginning. The new faith needed to be nourished by miracles to grow. When we plant a vineyard, we must water the plants till we see they have begun to grow in the earth, and when they have once taken root we cease to water them constantly. … But true life cannot be obtained by means of these outward signs by those who perform them. For although corporeal works of this kind sometimes do proclaim an inner holiness of life, they do not bring it about. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 29. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 1711, 2.29.4, 5, 4.39; SSGF 2:428*; PL 76.

THE PURPOSE OF ACCOMPANYING SIGNS

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTIONS: With good reason did he say to all of us together, when we became fully aware of those gifts that were given from him by the Spirit: “And these signs will accompany those who believe; in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” [1] These gifts were first bestowed on us the apostles when we were about to preach the gospel to every creature. Later they of necessity were afforded to others who had by the apostles come to believe. These gifts were not given for the advantage of those who perform them, but for the conviction of the unbelievers, that those whom the word did not persuade, the power of signs might put to shame. CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES 8.1.1. [2]

[1] Mk 16:17-18.

[2] PG 1:1061; ANF 7:479*. Those who hold fast to the faith of the apostles themselves participate in the gifts of the apostolate, whose signs of exorcism, healing and tongues may convict unbelievers even when words may fail.

Mk