ACC ~ Luke 17 v1 - 2

WOE TO THOSE WHO PLACE TEMPTATIONS IN THE PATH

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The accompanying discussion that immediately follows these opening remarks and speaks of our pardoning our brothers and sisters in case they ever sin against us leads us to the idea that these were the offenses meant. What are these offenses? They are, I suppose, mean and annoying actions, fits of anger whether on good grounds or without justification, insults, slander, and other stumbling blocks similar to these. He says that these temptations must come. Is this then because God, who governs all, forces people to their commission of sin? Away with the thought! Nothing that is evil comes from him. He is the fountain of all virtue. Why then must this happen? They clearly happen because of our infirmity, for all of us stumble in many things, as it is written. [1] Nevertheless he says that there will be woe to the person who lays the stumbling blocks in the way. He does not leave indifference in these things without rebuke but restrains it by fear of punishment. He still commands us to bear with patience those who cause sins to happen. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILIES 113-16. [2]

[1] Jas 3:2.

[2] CGSL 461-62**.

THE SCANDAL HERE IS THE PASSION OF CHRIST

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: Hear the Lord saying, “Woe to the world because of scandals!” A scandal tempts the saints, fatigues the cautious, throws down the incautious, disturbs all things and confuses all people. It is true that in this present passage the Lord is talking about the scandal of his passion. SERMON 27. [1]

[1] FC 17:74*.

TEMPTATIONS ARE SINS TO COME

JEROME: “It is impossible,” he says, “that scandals should not come.” I suppose that a scandal is a sin because sin comes through scandal. “In many things we all offend.” [1] Granted that I have not come to ruin, but I have certainly offended not only in one thing but also in many things. AGAINST THE PELAGIANS 2.15. [2]

[1] Jas 3:2.

[2] FC 53: 319**.