ACC ~ Luke 12 v41 - 48

IS THE PARABLE FOR ALL BELIEVERS OR ONLY THE APOSTLES?

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Blessed Peter, considering within himself the force of what Christ said, rightly asked which of the two was meant: the declaration referred to all believers, or only to them? That is, to those who had been called to the discipleship, and especially honored by the grant of apostolic powers? COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 93. [1]

[1] CGSL 374**.

ADDRESSED TO APOSTLES AND TEACHERS OF THE CHURCH

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: What is our Lord’s reply? He makes use of a clear and very evident example to show that the commandment especially belongs to those who occupy a more influential position and have been admitted into the rank of teachers. “Who,” he says, “is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord will set over his household, to give the allowance of food at its season?” …

This is the simple and plain meaning of the passage. If we now fix our mind accurately upon it, we will see what it signifies and how useful it is for the benefit of those who have been called to the office of apostle, that is, to the office of teacher. The Savior has ordained faithful men of great understanding, and well instructed in the sacred doctrines, as stewards over his servants who have been won by faith to the acknowledgment of his glory. He has ordained them, commanding them to give their fellow servants their allowance of food. He does not do this simply and without distinction but rather at its proper season. I mean spiritual food, as is sufficient and fitting for each individual. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 93. [1]

[1] CGSL 374**.

THE MASTER WILL RETURN

AUGUSTINE: Many people abuse for their own impious purposes his tardiness in coming. The bad slave says, “My master is taking his time.” He starts beating his fellow slaves and getting drunk with the bad ones. His master will come on a day he does not know, and at an hour he is unaware of, and will cut him off. You see, it is the body of ministers and prelates who give their fellow slaves their food in due season. “He will separate him off,” it says. He has good ones and bad ones. “He separates the good from the bad.” “He will assign his portion with the hypocrites.” He will not do this to the whole ministry, because in it too there are those who are longing for the Lord to come. In its ranks are also to be found the group of which it is said, “Blessed is that slave whom his master, when he comes, finds so doing.” “He will come and separate him.” SERMON 37.15. [1]

[1] WSA 3 2:192-93**.

NEGLECTFUL STEWARDSHIP LEADS TO UTTER WRETCHEDNESS WITH UNBELIEVERS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: He says, “Neglecting the duty of being diligent and faithful, and despising watchfulness in these things as being superfluous, he lets his mind grow intoxicated with worldly cares. He is seduced into improper courses, dragging by force and oppressing those who are subject to him. If he is not giving them their portion, he will be in utter wretchedness.” I think this and this only is the meaning of his being cut in two. “His portion,” he says, “will be with the unbelievers.” Whoever has done wrong to the glory of Christ or attempted to disregard the flock entrusted to his charge does not differ in any way from those who do not know him. These persons will be rightly counted among those who have no love for him. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 93. [1]

[1] CGSL 375**.

NO REFUGE IN THE DARKNESS OF IGNORANCE

AUGUSTINE: Now if those ignorant of the law are in a worse condition than those who know the law, how can this saying of our Lord in the Gospel be true? “That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make ready or act according to his will shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know and did what deserved a beating shall receive a light beating.” You see that this passage shows clearly a person who knows sins more seriously than one who does not know. Yet we must not on this account take refuge in the darkness of ignorance so as to find there an excuse for our conduct. Not to know is one thing; unwillingness to know is another. ON GRACE AND FREE WILL 3. [1]

[1] FC 59:256*.

EVEN CONFESSORS FIND IT DIFFICULT TO REMAIN FAITHFUL

CYPRIAN: We must perceive and confess that the very frightful devastation of that affliction which has destroyed and is destroying our flock in great part has come about because of our sins. We do not keep the way of the Lord, nor do we observe the heavenly commands given to us for salvation. Our Lord did the will of the Father. Eager for our inheritance and advantage, following after pride, giving way to envy and to neglecting simplicity and faith, renouncing the world in words only and not in deeds, each one pleasing himself and displeasing all, [1] we do not do the will of God.

We are beaten as we deserve. It is written, “But that servant who knows his master’s will and did not obey his will, will be beaten with many stripes.” But what blows and stripes do we not deserve, when even confessors, who should have been an example in good morals to the rest, do not keep discipline? LETTER 11.1. [2]

[1] See 2 Pet 2:13-15.

[2] FC 51:29*.

THE SEVERITY OF THE LORD’S JUDGMENT

BASIL THE GREAT: When I consult the New Testament, I find that our Lord Jesus Christ does not absolve from punishment even sins committed in ignorance, although he attaches a harsher threat to deliberate sins. “And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not make ready or act according to his will shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know and did what deserved a beating shall receive a light beating.” I hear something like this from the lips of the only-begotten Son of God and consider the anger of the holy apostles against sinners. I observe that the sufferings of those who have transgressed in even one particular are not less serious but rather more serious than those cited from the Old Testament. I then comprehend the severity of the judgment. Our Lord says, “To whomever much is given, much will be required of him.” PREFACE ON THE JUDGMENT OF GOD. [1]

[1] FC 9:47*.