ACC ~ Luke 4 v23 - 27

NAZARETH REJECTS JESUS OUT OF ENVY

AMBROSE: The Savior deliberately explains why he performed no miracles of virtue in his own country, to prevent someone from thinking that we should value affection for our country very little. He who loved all could not but love his fellow citizens. But those who envy his country deprive themselves of love, for “love does not envy, it is not puffed up.” [1] Yet his country does not lack divine blessings. Isn’t it a greater miracle that Christ was born there? So, you see what measure of evil envy brings. His country is found unworthy because of envy, the country in which he toiled as a citizen, which was worthy that the Son of God be born there. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 4.47. [2]

[1] 1 Cor 13:4.

[2] EHG 132**; CSEL 32 4:161-62.

IN HIS REJECTION, JESUS FULFILLS THE PROPHETIC PATTERN

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Jesus rebuked them, therefore, for asking so foolishly, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Keeping to the goal of his teaching, he says, “Truly, I tell you, that no prophet is acceptable in his country.” As I have mentioned, certain Jews affirmed that the prophecies relating to Christ had been fulfilled in the holy prophets or in certain of their own more distinguished men. For their good, he draws them away from such a supposition. He said that Elijah had been sent to a single widow and that the prophet Elisha had healed but one leper, Naaman the Syrian. By these he refers to the church of the heathen, who were about to accept him and be healed of their leprosy, by reason of Israel’s remaining impenitent. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 12. [1]

[1] CGSL 95-96**; PG 72:543.