ACC ~ John 20 v21

PEACE REITERATED TO COMFORT TROUBLED MINDS

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: What does this repetition in bestowing peace mean, except that he wants the tranquility that he had announced to their minds individually also to be kept collectively among them by granting peace repeatedly? He knew, at any rate, that they were going to have far from insignificant struggles in the future stemming from his delay, with one boasting that he had persevered in faith [1] and another in grief because he had doubted. [2] … Peter denies, [3] John flees, [4] Thomas doubts, all forsake him: [5] unless Christ had granted forgiveness for these transgressions by his peace, even Peter, who was the first in rank of all of them, would have been considered inferior and undeserving of his subsequent elevation to the primacy. SERMON 84.5. [6]

[1] Peter, perhaps.

[2] Thomas; see Jn 20:28.

[3] See Mt 26:69-75.

[4] See Mk 14:51-52. See also Sermon 78.4, 8 for the identification of the fleeing youth with John, although it was likely John Mark, rather than John the Evangelist.

[5] See Mt 26:56.

[6] FC 110:51*.

HE SENDS THEM IN LOVE

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: The mention of his having been sent does not diminish him as Son but declares that what he wants to be understood here is not the power of the one who sends but the charity of the one who has been sent. This is why he says, “Just as the Father,” not the Lord, “has sent me, so I send you.” In other words, I send you no longer with the authority of a Master but with all the affection of someone who loves you. I send you to endure hunger, to suffer the burden of chains, to the squalor of prison, to bear all kinds of punishments and to undergo bitter death for all: all of which charity, and not power, enjoins on human minds. SERMON 84.6. [1]

[1] FC 110:51-52*.

THE APOSTOLIC MISSION

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Christ says that he sent the apostles even as the Father had sent him, that they might fully comprehend their mission: to call sinners to repentance and to minister to those who were caught up in evil, whether of body or soul. In all their dealings on this earth, they were not in any way to follow their own will but the will of him who sent them. They were also called to save the world by their teaching, so far as was possible. And in truth we shall find that holy disciples were eager to show the utmost enthusiasm in performing all these things. It is not difficult for people to see this, if they give their attention to the Acts of the Apostles and the words of the holy Paul. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 12.1. [1]

[1] LF 48:671**.

THE FATHER SENDS THE SON, THE SON SENDS YOU

GREGORY THE GREAT: The Father sent his Son, appointing him to become a human person for the redemption of the human race. He willed him to come into the world to suffer—and yet he loved his Son whom he sent to suffer. The Lord is sending his chosen apostles into the world, not to the world’s joys but to suffer as he himself was sent. Therefore as the Son is loved by the Father and yet is sent to suffer, so also the disciples are loved by the Lord, who nevertheless sends them into the world to suffer. FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 26. [1]

[1] CS 123:201-2.