ACC ~ Luke 22 v35 - 38

PREPARE FOR THE COMING WAR

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Christ foretold the war about to burst on the Jews. [1] With unendurable violence, it would spread like some river over all their land. He now says, “But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag.” The saying in appearance had reference to the apostles but in reality applied to every Jew. Christ addressed them. He did not say that the holy apostles must get a purse and bag. He said that whosoever has a purse, let him take it. This means that whoever had property in the Jewish territories should collect all that he had and flee, so that if he could save himself, he might do so. Some did not have the means of equipping themselves for travel and from extreme poverty must continue in the land. “Let such a person,” Jesus says, “sell his cloak and buy a sword.” From now on, the question with all those who continue in the land will not be whether they possess anything or not, but whether they can exist and preserve their lives. War will come to them with such unendurable force that nothing shall be able to stand against it. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 145. [2]

[1] The war of 64-70, which resulted in seizure of Jerusalem and destruction of the temple.

[2] CGSL 579*.

JESUS RECKONED WITH THIEVES IN FULFILLMENT OF SCRIPTURE

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: He tells them the cause of the evil and of a tribulation so severe and irremediable befalling them. He says that according to the Scriptures, he is about to be numbered with the transgressors. Christ plainly refers to his being hung on the cross with the thieves who were crucified with him, enduring a transgressor’s punishment. … He will also sit on the throne of his glory, judging the world in righteousness, [1] as it is written. The prophet says, “Then they will look on him whom they pierced.” [2] As these wretched beings ridiculed Christ as they saw him hang on the precious cross, they will behold him crowned with godlike glory and will fall into the pit of destruction in just retribution of their wickedness toward him. “What concerns me,” he says, “has an end as far as it relates to my suffering death in the flesh.” Then those things foretold by the holy prophets in olden times will happen to those who murdered him. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 145. [3]

[1] Is 11:4.

[2] Zech 12:10

[3] CGSL 579-80*.

THE MEANING OF THE TWO SWORDS

AMBROSE: Why do you who forbid me to wield a sword now command me to buy one? Why do you command me to have what you forbid me to draw? [1] Perhaps he may command this so that a defense may be prepared, not as a necessary revenge, but that you may be seen to have been able to be avenged but to be unwilling to take revenge. The law does not forbid me to strike back. You say to Peter when he offers two swords, “It is enough,” as if it were permitted even to the gospel. … This seems wicked to many, but the Lord is not wicked, he who when he could take revenge chose to be sacrificed. There is also a spiritual sword, so that you may sell your inheritance and purchase the Word, [2] which clothes the innermost parts of the mind. There is also the sword of suffering, so that you may lay aside the body. … The disciples may have offered two swords: one of the New and one of the Old Testament, with which we are armed against the deceits of the devil. [3] Then the Lord says, “It is enough,” as if nothing is lacking to him whom the teaching of each Testament has strengthened. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 10.53-55. [4]

[1] Cf. Mt 26:52.

[2] See Mt 13:44-46.

[3] Eph 6:11.

[4] EHG 405-6**.