ACC ~ John 11 v40

MARTHA HINDERED THE REMOVAL OF THE STONE

ORIGEN But now, between the words “Take away the stone” and “therefore, they took away the stone,” the words of the dead man’s sister hindered the removal of the stone. And it would not have been taken away at all even later had not Jesus answered and said to her unbelief, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” It is good, then, that nothing intervenes between Jesus’ command and the action enjoined by his bidding. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 28.17. [1]

[1] FC 89:295; SC 385:66.

THE FAITH OF ONE SERVING TO ASSIST ANOTHER

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA Faith is a truly excellent thing when it is produced from an ardent mind. It has such great power that not only is the believer healed but in fact others also can be healed besides those who believe. For instance … Lazarus is saved by the faith of his sister to whom the Lord said, “If you believe you shall see the glory of God,” which is like saying, “Since Lazarus, being dead, is not able to believe, you then are to fill up the faith that is lacking in him that is dead.” [1] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7. [2]

[1] See Cyril’s comment on Jn 11:26 concerning Martha’s “Amen” on behalf of Lazarus.

[2] LF 48:125**.