ACC ~ Luke 10 v17 - 20

POWER CONFIRMS THE WORD THAT THEY PREACH

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: According to Christ’s declaration, the harvest indeed was great, but the laborers were few. In addition to those first chosen, he appointed seventy others and sent them to every village and city of Judea before his face to be his forerunners and to preach the things that belonged to him.

The authority that they carried to rebuke evil spirits and the power of crushing Satan was not given to them that they might be regarded with admiration. It was given to them so that Christ would be glorified by their means. Those whom they taught would believe that he was by nature God and the Son of God. He was invested with so great glory and supremacy and might, as to be even able to bestow upon others the power of trampling Satan under their feet. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 64. [1]

[1] CGSL 273-74**.

SATAN FALLS LIKE LIGHTNING FROM HEAVEN

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: What is Christ’s reply? “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” That is, “I am aware of this, because as you set out on this journey by my will, you have conquered Satan. I saw him fall like lightning from heaven.” This means that he was thrown down from on high to earth, from overweening pride to humiliation, from glory to contempt, from great power to utter weakness. The saying is true, because before the coming of the Savior, he possessed the world. All was subject to him, and there was no one able to escape the trap of his overwhelming might. Everyone worshiped him. He had temples and altars for sacrifice everywhere and had an innumerable multitude of worshipers. Since the only-begotten Word of God came down from heaven, he has fallen like lightning. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 64. [1]

[1] CGSL 274**.

THE VICTORY OF THE CROSS CRUSHES SATAN

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: “I was looking at Satan, who fell like lightning from the heavens.” It was not that he was actually in the heavens. He was not in them when he said, “I will place my throne above the stars,” [1] but he fell from his greatness and his dominion. “I was looking at Satan, who fell like lightning from the heavens.” He did not fall from heaven, because lightning does not fall from heaven, since the clouds create it. Why then did he say “from the heavens”? This was because it was as though it was from the heavens, as if lightning which comes suddenly. In one second, Satan fell beneath the victory of the cross. Ordinary people were anointed and sent out by reason of their mission and were highly successful in a second, through miracles of healing those in pain, sickness and evil spirits. It was affirmed that Satan suddenly fell from his dominion, like lightning from the clouds. Just as lightning goes out and does not return to its place, so too did Satan fall and did not again have control over his dominion. “Behold, I am giving you dominion.” COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 10.13. [2]

[1] Is 14:13.

[2] ECTD 172**.

CHRIST HEALS US THROUGH THE CROSS

MAXIMUS OF TURIN: Since we possess the Lord Jesus who has freed us by his suffering, let us always look on him and hope for medicine for our wounds from his sign. That is to say, if perhaps the poison of greed spreads in us, we should look to him, and he will heal us. If the malicious desire of the scorpion stings us, we should beg him, and he will cure us. If bites of worldly thoughts tear us, we should ask him, and we will live. These are the spiritual serpents of our souls. The Lord was crucified in order to crush them. He says concerning them, “You will tread upon serpents and scorpions, and they will do no harm to you.” SERMON 37.5. [1]

[1] ACW 50:92*.

CHRIST’S BAPTISM GIVES THE BAPTIZED DIGNITY

CYRIL OF JERUSALEM: He [Jesus] was not baptized to receive the forgiveness of sins. He was without sin. Being sinless, still he was baptized so that he might give grace and dignity to those who receive the sacrament. “Since the children share in flesh and blood, so he in like manner has shared in these,” [1] that we, sharing his incarnate life, might also share his divine grace. Jesus was baptized that we in turn also made here partakers with him, might receive not only salvation but also the dignity. CATECHETICAL LECTURES 3.11. [2]

[1] :1–24:53 PRELIMINARY REMARKS | ON THE GOSPEL

[2] FC 61:115**.

DISCIPLES NOT TO REJOICE IN APOSTOLIC HONORS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: To rejoice only in the fact that they were able to work miracles and crush the herds of demons was possibly likely to produce in them the desire of arrogance. The neighbor and relative of this passion constantly is pride. Most usefully the Savior of all rebukes the first boasting and quickly cuts away the root that sprang up in them—the shameful love of glory. He was imitating good farmers who, when they see a thorn springing up in their parks or gardens, immediately tear it up with the blade of the pickax before it strikes its root deep. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 64. [1]

[1] CGSL 275-76**.