ACC ~ John 13 v8

PETER INADVERTENTLY ACCUSES OTHER DISCIPLES

ORIGEN: When the other disciples entrusted themselves to Jesus and offered no resistance, [Peter], by what he says (although he seemed well intentioned) not only accuses Jesus of beginning to wash the disciples’ feet without a reason but also accuses his companions. For if he acted properly (which he thought he did) when he wanted to hinder Jesus, but the other disciples did not see the propriety in his actions, then he accused those who presented their feet to Jesus, contrary to what was proper at least in his mind. And if he thought that one must not resist what is reasonable and supposed that what happened when the disciples’ feet were washed by Jesus was reasonable, he would not have resisted what happened. He appears, therefore, to have assumed rashly that Jesus’ desire to wash the disciples’ feet was not reasonable. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.66-68. [1]

[1] FC 89:355; SC 385:216**.

JESUS PROTECTS PETER FROM HIMSELF

ORIGEN: Since Peter’s answer was disadvantageous for him, Jesus, who in a manner appropriate to his own goodness prevents those things from becoming true that would prove harmful to the one who speaks them, does not permit Peter’s answer to become true. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.90. [1]

[1] FC 89:359; SC 385:226.

REFUSAL IS HARMFUL

THEOPHILUS OF ALEXANDRIA: When he heard these words, Peter the leader [of the Twelve] was at a loss as to his answer, saying, “Alas, O Lord, I am thwarted in every direction. Presumption is a burden, but refusal is harmful. To say no deserves punishment, but assent is most difficult for me. Nonetheless, let the command of God and not the opposition of the servant prevail, the Wisdom of God and not the excuse of the servant.” SERMON ON THE MYSTICAL SUPPER. [1]

THE SLAVE APPALLED AT THE MASTER’S SERVICE

FLAVIAN OF CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE:

Rising from this noble feast

He gives us an example,

For lowliness’ sake

Approaching Peter’s feet.

The slave is appalled at the service,

When he beholds the angels’ Master

Carry water, and a towel,

And kneel upon the ground.

“O Simon, let yourself be washed!

My acts are mysteries, and disclose

—As I, the Highest, fetch lowly things—

The honor due from dust to dust.”

A HYMN FOR HOLY THURSDAY: “HEAVEN AND EARTH REJOICE.” [2]

[1] MFC 7:154-55*.

[2] MFC 7:384.

NO FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST APART FROM PURIFICATION

BEDE: Here it is clearly pointed out that this washing of the feet implies the spiritual purification of body and soul without which we cannot arrive at fellowship with Christ. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 2.5. [1]

[1] CS 111:46.