ACC ~ Luke 20 v19

THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS FEAR THE PEOPLE

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Again the gang of Pharisees is inflamed with unbridled rage. They draw the bow of their envy. They grind their teeth at him who calls them to life. They savagely attack him who seeks to save and who humbled himself from his supreme and godlike glory to our condition. They plot the death of he who became man that he might abolish death. The wise Evangelist shows us the only cause that hindered their shameless pride. He said that they feared the people. He understood, therefore, that they were not restrained by a feeling of piety toward God. The commandment given by Moses that plainly says, “You shall not kill the holy and the just,” [1] did not bridle their violence. They had far more respect for the fear of people than the reverence due to God. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 135. [2]

[1] Ex 23:7.

[2] CGSL 537**.