Between God and Man: Six Sermons on the Priestly Office

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[Sermon III](https://isidore.co/calibre/#panel=book_details&book_id=7288) ([ *PL* 217:664](https://isidore.co/calibre/#panel=book_details&book_id=7285)-5) "On the First Anniversary" (of his pontifical election), which, in the context of nuptial analogies, says (p. 38 = DjVu p. 71):> Propter causam vero fornicationis Ecclesia Romana posset dimittere Romanum pontificem. Fornicationem non dico carnalem, sed spiritualem; quia non est carnale, sed spirituale conjugium, id est propter infidelitatis errorem > [The Roman church can dismiss the Roman pontiff only because of fornication—I mean not carnal, but spiritual fornication, for the marriage is not carnal but spiritual—and this fornication is the sin of heresy.] Liberet nos Dominus ab hæreticis.* * *When Innocent III became pope in 1198 he announced that he had been elevated to a position ""between God and man"". This audacious claim has often been quoted to characterize the papal monarchy over which he presided and the secular powers he wielded for the 18 years of his controversial tenure. The sermons presented in this collection cast a clearer light on Innocent's concept of what his duties were as priest and bishop. Innocent was renowned as a preacher, one who faithfully fulfilled that pastoral duty throughout his career. The group of sermons featured in this book represents only a small sample of his homiletic works. That they are almost exclusively devoted to spiritual concerns provides valuable insight into Innocent's papal priorities. The six sermons included are: the inaugural sermon of Innocent's consecration, the opening sermon of Lateran Council IV, an anniversary sermon, two Roman Synod sermons, and another on the constitution of the priesthood. The major theme throughout the sermons is the responsibility of clergy to function as intermediaries between divinity and humanity, particularly in preaching and in administering the sacraments. Also included in the book is a translation of Innocent's treatise on preaching. In it Innocent gives practical advice to the preachers, whose office he believes to be the most important function of the priesthood.