The Ancient Witnesses

214 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

“It’s pure irony,” said Father Greg. “What do you mean?” I asked. “Irony means things are different than they appear to be,” explained Cesar. “Precisely,” agreed Father Greg. At this point, one of the unfamiliar witnesses spoke up. “Wicked Judas,” he said with a voice deep and dramatic, “that raving wolf no longer concealed by sheep skin but exposed, unleashes his treachery with a kiss of peace—a betrayal more deadly than any weapon!” 96 Mentor introduced the witness as Leo, Bishop of Rome. “We know him as Leo the Great,” replied Father Greg, “and remember him for his Tome .” “What’s a tome?” asked Preacher. “A large book,” said Cesar, “may I have a look at it?” “In this case the Tome is a letter,” explained Father Greg. “Too bad,” said Preacher, teasing Cesar. “Do we know what the letter was about?” I asked. Mentor stepped back and offered the lectern to Bishop Leo. 96 From a sermon preached on Easter, AD 441. My paraphrase of Leo the Great, Sermon 52.3 in Corpus Christianorum Series Latina 138a, 309. Compare the English translation of Freeland and Conway, St. Leo The Great, Sermons , in The Fathers of the Church (FOTC), vol. 93, 228. The latter phrase, “more deadly than any weapon,” follows FOTC. Note also that Leo’s description of Judas as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” follows Jesus’ description of false prophets in Matthew 7:15.