ACC ~ Luke 5 v33 - 35

THE BRIDEGROOM IS ALWAYS WITH US AT THE LORD’S SUPPER

AMBROSE: “But the days will come when the Bridegroom shall be taken from them.” Which are these days in which Christ is taken from us, especially when he himself has said, “I shall be with you, even to the end of the world,” [1] when he has said, “I will not leave you orphans”? [2] For it is certain that if he were to leave us, we could not be saved. None can take Christ from you, unless you take yourself away. Your boasting will not take you away, nor arrogance, nor may you presume on the law for yourself. “For he came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” [3] … The righteous are those who do not strike him who strikes them, [4] who love their enemy. [5] If we do not endure thus, the opposite is found. “I came not to call the righteous.” Christ does not call those who say they are righteous, for not knowing God and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. [6] Therefore the usurpers of righteousness are not called to grace. For if grace comes from penitence, surely one who scorns penitence renounces grace. Those who make themselves out to be holy will be wounded. The Bridegroom is taken from them. [7] Neither Caiaphas nor Pilate took Christ from us. We cannot fast, because we have Christ, and we feast on the body and blood of Christ. [8] For how does he who does not hunger seem to fast? How does he who does not thirst seem to fast? Then, how can he who drinks Christ thirst when he himself said, “Whosoever shall drink of the water that I will give him shall be thirsty no more”? [9] Then what follows will declare the saying to concern the fasting of the spirit. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 5.20-22. [10]

[1] Mt 28:20.

[2] Jn 14:18.

[3] Mt 9:13.

[4] See Mt 5:39; Lk 6:29; 1 Pet 2:23.

[5] See Mt 5:44; Lk 6:27.

[6] Rom 10:3.

[7] Mt 9:15.

[8] Jn 6:53.

[9] Jn 4:13.

[10] EHG 153-55**.

WHY THE DISCIPLES ARE CALLED BRIDAL GUESTS

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: During the entire period that our Lord was in the midst of the world, he compared it with a bridal chamber and himself with the bridegroom. For the bridal guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them. [1] …

He called his disciples bridal guests because they are members of the church, and ministers of the feast, and heralds who invite those who sit at table. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 5.22A-22B. [2]

[1] Mk 2:19.

[2] ECTD 105*.

FASTING REFERS TO THE OLD GARMENT PUT OFF IN BAPTISM

AMBROSE: Then in this passage, fasting represents the old garment that the apostle thought should be taken off. He said, “Strip yourselves of the old man with his deeds,” [1] so that we may put on the new man, which is renewed by the sanctification of baptism. Then the series of teachings is suited to the same garment, lest we mix the deeds of the old and the new man, when the physical exterior performs the works of the flesh. The inner man, [2] which is reborn, should not have the varied appearance of old and new actions but be the same color as Christ. With zeal of mind, it should imitate him for whom he was cleansed by baptism. So let the discolored coverings of the mind, which are displeasing to the Bridegroom, be absent, for one who has not a wedding garment is displeasing to him. [3] What can please the Bridegroom, except peace of spirit, purity of heart and clarity of mind? EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 5.23. [4]

[1] Col 3:9.

[2] See Rom 7:22.

[3] See Mt 22:12.

[4] EHG 155-56**.

TO BE TAKEN AWAY IS TO ASCEND INTO HEAVEN

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: For all things are good in their season, but what is the meaning of the Bridegroom being taken away from them? It is his being taken up into heaven. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMIIES 21-22. [1]

[1] CGSL 116.