ACC ~ John 8 v50

HOW TO RESPOND TO INJURY

GREGORY THE GREAT: He provides us with an example of what we should do in such a situation when he adds, “I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks and judges.” We know that it is written that “the Father has given all judgment to the Son,” [1] and yet we see that when the Son receives insulting words he does not seek his own glory. He leaves the offenses offered him for the Father’s judgment. And so he suggests to us how patient we should be when even he, the Judge, does not wish to avenge himself. FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 16. [2]

[1] Jn 5:22.

[2] CS 123:115*.

ABUSERS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE FATHER

CHRYSOSTOM: I have said these things to you, he says, to show that you murderers should not be allowed to call God your Father. And so, I have spoken these words to honor the Father, and it is for his sake that I bear these reproaches and that you dishonor me. And yet, I am not concerned about your abuse, for you are accountable to him. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 55.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:197**.

THE FATHER DISCERNS BETWEEN CHRIST’S GLORY AND OURS

AUGUSTINE: He means here, of course, the Father. But how is it then that he says in another place, “The Father judges no one but has committed all judgment to the Son”? [1] … In the former place judgment is used in the sense of inflicting pain, but here it is used in the sense of discernment… When he says there is “one who seeks and judges,” he is referring to the Father, who discerns and distinguishes between my glory and yours. For you glory in the spirit of this present world. I do not…. The Father distinguishes the glory of the Son from that of mere human beings…. For just because Christ has been made man does not bring us into a comparison with him. We have sin; he was without sin. … So then, brothers, in respect, I say, to his very form of a servant… the difference is great between the glory of Christ and the glory of other people. It is of that glory he spoke when the devil-possessed heard him say, “I seek not my own glory; there is one who seeks and judges.” TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 43.4, 9. [2]

[1] Jn 5:22.

[2] NPNF 1 7:240-42**.

GOD SEEKS THE GLORY OF CHRIST

ORIGEN: God, who gave his own Son for us, seeks the glory of Christ in each of those who have received him. He will find it in those who attend to themselves and work out the opportunities for virtue that have been implanted in them, but he will not find it in those who are not such. When he does not find it, he will judge those in whom he does not find the glory of his own Son and will say to them, “Because of you my name is continually blasphemed among the nations.” [1] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 20.350. [2]

[1] Is 52:5.

[2] FC 89:278; SC 290:328.