ACC ~ John 11 v31

MARY’S ARDENT LOVE FOR JESUS

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA The Jews who were there to console her in her grief, as they saw that Mary had suddenly gotten up and gone out, thinking that she went to the sepulcher to weep, followed her as if she, being overwhelmed by her sorrow, might be about to do something [1] that was their duty to prevent. This was ordered by the providence of God, that they came there against their will and became the witnesses of the miracle to be performed. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 5.11.29. [2]

[1] Perhaps suicide?

[2] CSCO 4 3:226-27.

THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA The Jews who follow Mary are doing the will of God in order that they might go to see the marvelous deed, even without wishing to do so. Had this not taken place by the providence of God, the Evangelist would not have mentioned it, neither would he have written down the reason they followed Mary to Lazarus’s tomb if he had not been continuously zealous for the truth. Thus, he states the reason why many ran to the tomb, and were found there, and became witnesses of the marvelous deed and reported it to others. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7. [1]

[1] LF 48:120-21**.

MARY, THE JEWS, CHRIST AND WE ALL WEEP

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS Mary weeps, the Jews weep, and Christ also weeps: do you think [all wept] with a similar emotion? So be it that Mary the sister wept since she was unable to hold on to her brother and was unable to prevent his death. Although she was certain about the resurrection, nevertheless, because she was without comfort at the moment, because its delay meant that his absence would be lengthy and because she was sad about his being separated from God, she could not but weep. At the same time since when death appears it is so grim, so morbid, so very cruel, it could not but unsettle and disturb any mind, no matter how full of faith. …

The Jews were in tears, being both mindful of their condition and overcome by despair concerning the future life. … As often as one sees a dead person, that often does he lament that he is destined to die. So a mortal cannot but grieve concerning death.

For which of these reasons was Christ weeping? And if for none of them, then why was he in tears? Certainly he is the same one who had said, “Lazarus is dead, and I rejoice.” [1] … When he loses him he sheds no tears, but when he lifts him up it is then that he weeps. He pours out mortal tears just at the time when he is pouring back in the spirit of life. Brothers, the nature of our human body has this tendency, that the force of joy and the force of sorrow both produce tears. … This is why Christ wept, not from grief in the face of death but from calling to mind that happiness when by his own voice, and solely by his voice, he would raise up all the dead to eternal life. SERMON 64.3. [2]

[1] Jn 11:14-15.

[2] FC 109:257-58.