ACC ~ John 13 v36

PETER WAS NOT PRESUMING

AMBROSE: The soul too wishes to arrive at the prize that it longs to obtain. And so it wisely asks that it be drawn, because not all are able to follow. Indeed, when Peter said, “Where are you going?” the Word of God replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now. But you will follow afterward.” The Lord had entrusted to him the keys of the kingdom of heaven, [1] and yet Peter judged himself unequal to following. The Lord did not put off this soul, however, for Peter was not presuming but asking. ISAAC, OR THE SOUL 3.10. [2]

[1] See Mt 16:19.

[2] FC 65:18; CSEL 32 1:650.

FOLLOWING CHRIST

ORIGEN: The Word, however, departs on his own courses, and he who follows the Word follows him. But one who is not prepared to walk in his steps persistently cannot follow, since the Word leads those to his Father who do all things that they might be able to follow him and that they may follow him until they may say to the Christ, “My soul has clung to you.” [1] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.400. [2]

[1] See Ps 63:8 (62:9 LXX).

[2] FC 89:417; SC 385:358-60.

THE SPIRIT EMPOWERS US

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The disciples had not yet been clothed with the power from on high, neither had they received the strength that was to invigorate them and impart courage to their character—I mean the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thus, they were not able to wrestle with death and engage in a conflict with terrors so hard to face. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 9. [1]

[1] LF 48:225*.

Jn