ACC ~ John 4 v6a

THE LEGITIMATE HEIR OF THE PATRIARCH COMES TO THE WELL

CAESARIUS OF ARLES: Our Lord Jesus Christ came to the field that holy Jacob had left to his son, Joseph. I do not think that this field was left to Joseph as much as to Christ, whom holy Joseph the patriarch prefigured, for truly the sun and moon adore him, while all the stars bless him. For this reason the Lord came to this field in order that the Samaritans, who were longing to claim for themselves the inheritance of the patriarch of Israel, might recognize their owner and be converted to Christ who became the legitimate heir of the patriarch. SERMON 170.1. [1]

[1] FC 47:419-20.

MINISTRY TO THE GENTILES AND SALVATION OF THE PATRIARCHS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Having crossed the borders of Judea and being now among strangers, the Savior rests at Jacob’s well. He shows us again as in a type and darkly that the preaching of the gospel should depart from Jerusalem and the divine word in time would extend to the Gentiles. However, this does not signify that the patriarchs are to be any less revered. Christ shall embrace them again and shall again be refreshed and rest, as in his saints, preserving to them the pristine unfading grace. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.4. [1]

[1] LF 43:203**.