ACC ~ John 11 v41

THE STOREHOUSE OF LIFE APPROACHES THE TOMB OF DEATH

ATHANASIUS They took, then, the stone there from the mouth of the tomb. The whole crowd marveled, witnessing the smell of pus of Lazarus, who was decayed. He had rotted so that they were not able to approach within the tomb because of the smell of his body and its decay. But into the midst came Jesus, the storehouse that is full of life, the mouth that is full of sweet odor, the tongue that frightens death, the Mighty One in his commands, the joy of those who are sorrowful, the rising of those who have fallen, the resurrection of the dead, the assembly of the strong, the hope of the hopeless.

He came and stood openly by the mouth of the tomb, with the preparations of salvation in his divine mouth. Now all of the crowd were standing and beholding and wondering what he would do in starting to raise him from the dead. Now the body was lying dead, but God himself was standing over it, looking down on him and grieving for him. HOMILY ON THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS. [1]

[1] AJSL 57:267*.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE EYES

ORIGEN We must carefully observe and examine what has been written concerning the position of Jesus’ eyes. … He had changed his thought from his conversation with those below and lifted it up and exalted it, bringing it in prayer to the Father who is over all. … The one who imitates Christ’s prayer, lifting up the eyes of his soul and bringing them up in this way from everyday concerns, memories, thoughts and intention must in this way address to God the great and heavenly words of prayer concerning great and heavenly matters. … If indeed God makes such a promise for those who pray in a worthy manner … that “while you are still speaking, I will say, ‘Here I am,’” [1] what answer do we think our Savior and Lord would receive? COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 28.23-25, 39. [2]

[1] Is 58:9.

[2] FC 89:296-97, 300**; SC 385:68-70, 78.