ACC ~ Luke 23 v33

RECKONED WITH TRANSGRESSORS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: When he hung on the precious cross, two thieves were hung with him. What comes from this? It was truly a mockery as far as the plan of the Jews, but it was also the commemoration of prophecy. It is written, “He was also numbered with the transgressors.” [1] For our sakes, he became a curse. That is, he became accursed. It is written again, “Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree.” [2] His act did away with the curse that was on us. We are blessed with him and because of him. Knowing this, blessed David says, “Blessed are we of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” [3] Blessings descend to us by his sufferings. He paid our debts in our place. He bore our sins. He was stricken in our place, [4] as it is written. He took our sins in his own body on the tree, [5] because it is true that his bruises heal us. [6] He also was sick because of our sins, and we are delivered from the sicknesses of the soul. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 153. [7]

[1] Is 53:12.

[2] Deut 21:23.

[3] Ps 113:23 LXX.

[4] Is 53:6.

[5] 1 Pet 2:24.

[6] Is 53:5.

[7] CGSL 609**.

CHRIST’S CROSS PLANTED OVER ADAM’S GRAVE

AMBROSE: The very place of the cross is in the middle, [1] as conspicuous to all. It is above the grave of Adam, as the Hebrews truly argue. [2] It was fitting that the beginning of death occurred where the first fruits of our life were placed. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 10.114. [3]

[1] See Jn 19:18.

[2] Mt 27:33; Mk 15:22; Jn 19:17.

[3] EHG 425**.

THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST’S DEATH

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: By becoming like us and bearing our sufferings for our sakes, Christ restores human nature to how it was in the beginning. The first man was certainly in the Paradise of delight in the beginning. The absence of suffering and of corruption exalted him. He despised the commandment given to him and fell under a curse, condemnation and the snare of death by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. By the very same thing, Christ restores him to his original condition. He became the fruit of the tree by enduring the precious cross for our sakes, that he might destroy death, which by means of the tree [of Adam] had invaded the bodies of humankind. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 153. [1]

[1] CGSL 608**.