ACC ~ Luke 19 v37 - 40

HIS DISCIPLES AND THE PEOPLE PRAISE JESUS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Christ therefore sits upon the colt. Since he now came to the descent of the Mount of Olives close to Jerusalem, the disciples went before him praising him. They were called to bear witness to the wonderful works that he performed and of his godlike glory and sovereignty. We likewise should always praise him, considering who and how great he is. Another holy Evangelist mentioned that children, holding high branches of palm trees, ran before him. With the rest of the disciples, they celebrated his glory. [1] COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 130. [2]

[1] Mt 21:8; Mk 11:8; Jn 12:13.

[2] CGSL 516**.

THE PHARISEES REBUKE THE DISCIPLES

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The Pharisees truly complained because Christ was praised. They came near and said, “Rebuke your disciples.” O Pharisee, what wrong action did they do? What charge do you bring against the disciples or how would you rebuke them? They have not sinned in any way but have rather done what is praiseworthy. They extol as King and Lord the One the law had before pointed out by many symbols and types. The ancient company of the holy prophets had preached of him. You despised him and grieved him by your great jealousy. Your duty was to join the rest in their praises. Your duty was to withdraw far from your innate wickedness and to change your way for the better. Your duty was to follow the sacred Scriptures and to thirst after the knowledge of the truth. You did not do this, but transferring your words to the contrary, you wanted to rebuke the heralds of the truth. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 130. [1]

[1] CGSL 516-17**.

JERUSALEM IN TURMOIL AT JESUS’ BIRTH AND DEATH

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: The children were shouting and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” This displeased the chief priests and the scribes, and they said to him, “Do you not hear what these are saying?” [1] That means, “If these praises do not please you, make them keep silent.” At his birth and at his death, children were intertwined in the crown of his sufferings. When he met Christ, the infant John jumped for joy within the womb. [2] Children were murdered at his birth. [3] They were like the grapes of his wedding feast. Children also proclaimed his praise when the time of his death approached. Jerusalem was in turmoil [4] at his birth, just as it was in turmoil again and trembling [5] the day that he entered it. When the scribes heard, they were displeased, and they were saying to him, “Stop them!” he said to them, “If these become silent, the stones will cry out.” The scribes preferred that the children would cry out rather than the stones. This, however, was reserved for later, because the stones were crying out at the time of his crucifixion, [6] but those with words were silent. Speechless things proclaimed his greatness. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 118.2. [7]

[1] Mt 21:15-16.

[2] Lk 1:41.

[3] Mt 2:16-18.

[4] Mt 2:3.

[5] Mt 21:10.

[6] See Mt 27:51-52.

[7] ECTD 271**.

EVEN STONES WILL PRAISE JESUS

AMBROSE: It is not strange if the rocks would respond against their nature with praises of the Lord since murderers, harder than rocks, also proclaim them. Perhaps this means when the Jews are speechless after the Lord’s passion, the living stones, according to Peter, will cry out. [1] Even with mixed emotions, the crowd nevertheless leads God to his temple with praise. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 9.16. [2]

[1] See 1 Pet 2:5.

[2] EHG 376**.

JESUS CALLS FOR THE STONES TO PRAISE HIM

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: What does Christ answer to these things? “I tell you that if these be silent, the stones will cry out.”

It is impossible for God not to be glorified, although those of the race of Israel refuse to do so. The worshipers of idols were once as stones and hardened, but they have been delivered from their former error and rescued from the hand of the enemy. They have escaped from devilish darkness. They have been called to the light of truth. They have awakened as from drunkenness. They have acknowledged the Creator. They do not praise him secretly, in concealment, in a hidden way and silently, but with freedom of speech and a loud voice. They praise him diligently, as it were, calling out to one another and saying, “Come, let us praise the Lord and sing psalms to God our Savior.” They acknowledged Christ the Savior of all. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 130. [1]

[1] CGSL 517**.

PEACE OF HEAVEN AND EARTH

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The disciples praise Christ the Savior of all, calling him King and Lord, and the peace of heaven and earth. Let us also praise him, taking the psalmist’s harp and saying, “How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them.” [1] Only wisdom is in his works because he guides all useful things in their proper manner and assigns to his acts the season that suits them. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 130. [2]

[1] Ps 104:24 (103:24 LXX).

[2] CGSL 514*.