First And Last

Multi autem erunt primi novissimi, et novissimi primi. Sed quia non omnes in eodem bono proposito perseverant, et ad vitia relabuntur, terribilis sententia subditur: Multi autem primi erunt novissimi. Vide Judam ab apostolatu in apostatam versum, et dicito, quia multi erunt primi novissimi. Vide latronem in cruce factum confessorem, eodemque die quo pro suis crucifixus est peccatis, gratia fidei cum Christo in paradiso gaudentem et dicito, quia novissimi erunt primi. Sed et quotidie videmus multos in laico habitu constitutos, magnis vitae meritis et praemiis excellere, et alios a prima aetate spirituali studio ferventes, ad extremum vitae otio torpentes lacessere, atque inerti stultitia quod spiritu coeperunt carne consummare. Anselmus Laudunensis, Enarrationes In Matthaeum, Caput XIX Source: Migne PL 162.1417a-b

But many who are first shall be last. 1 Because not all persevere in the same good intentions and fall back into vices, a terrible sentence follows, 'But many who are first shall be last.' Look to Judas who from an Apostle was turned into an apostate, and say, 'But many who are first shall be last.' Look to the thief on the cross made a confessor, and on that same day he was crucified for his sins, by the grace of faith, he rejoiced in paradise, and say 'But many who are last shall be first.' Even today we see many in the lay state with great merits in their lives and excelling in rewards, and others who from their youth were fervid for spiritual studies at the end of their lives wither into worthless torpor, and in profitless stupidity what they began in the spirit they perfect with the flesh. 2 Anselm of Laon, Commentary On The Gospel of Saint Matthew, Chapter 19 1 Mt 19.30 2 Galat 3.3