ACC ~ John 4 v44

FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT

CHRYSOSTOM: We read below that his country was, I suppose, Capernaum. Now, to demonstrate how he received no honor there, listen to what he says: “And you, Capernaum, which are exalted to heaven, shall be brought down to hell.” [1] He calls Capernaum his own country because he lived there most of the time and taught there. But someone might ask, “Don’t we usually see many admired among their own people?” This may be so, but we should not make such judgments on the basis of a few instances, because it is also true that while some have been honored in their own country, many more have been honored outside it, since familiarity generally breeds contempt. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 35.2. [2]

[1] Mt 11:23.

[2] NPNF 1 14:123**.

PROPHETS HONORED ONLY WHEN DEAD

ORIGEN: The country of the prophets, of course, was in Judea, and it is clear that they had had no honor among the Jews since they were stoned, sawn in two, tried and put to death by the sword. Because they were dishonored, they went about in sheepskins and goat skins, being in need, afflicted and ill-treated. [1] … The truth of the Savior’s statement is amazing. It is applicable not only to the holy prophets, who were dishonored by their fellow countrymen, and to our Lord himself, but also to those who have busied themselves in any field of learning and have been despised by their fellow citizens with the result that some of them, too, have been executed…. What has happened in the case of the prophets is most paradoxical indeed. While alive their fellow citizens dishonored them, but dead they respect them by building and adorning their tombs. [2] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 13.372, 376, 378. [3]

[1] See Heb 11:37.

[2] See Mt 23:29.

[3] FC 89:148-49; SC 222:238-42.